| Dear Friends
of Peace Pilgrim,
We have now lived for a year on this beautiful ten acres in the foothills
of the Sierras. Kathy Miller and Eton Simon made a STEPS TOWARD INNER
PEACE trail, up and down the hills, among the pine and oak trees. Other
volunteers made 12 signs that are scattered along the trail. On each
sign is a quote from the Steps booklet. As you walk midst the beauties
of nature you may want to stop and think about the meaning of the message
in your life. A dear friend contributed a bench placed near a sign where
you can sit and contemplate the simple life. A field of lupine in front
of the house and California poppy seeds strewn along a path, by a volunteer,
adds to the beauty.
Even though we are in the backwoods, Peace's message has brought visitors
from Singapore, England, Guatemala, France, Newfoundland, and many from
this country. They are seeking refuge from the spirit of retaliation.
Each volunteer is a delight to work with and to learn from.
PEACE
PILGRIM'S MESSAGE IN GUATEMALA (Back to Table of Contents - TOC)
by David Stewart
A visit with Ann, John, Kathy,
and Eton at the Peace Pilgrim Center in Somerset cannot but lead to
interesting
unforseen developments. In my case, it led to introducing Peace Pilgrim's
message to international travelers. It all
started during a wood-splitting and sign making stint at the Center
last Spring. John mentioned that they were looking for overseas distributors
since new postal rates are inordinately high for small packages.
My search for simplicity and
opportunities to lend a helping hand, had brought me to the western
highlands of
Guatemala. It seemed natural to help with distributing the message of
our North American Saint, to her international family.
So 200 Spanish STEPS and 200 English STEPS were sent from the Center,
with a few of the larger Spanish books. Demand for Peace's books in
Central America is low at present, but the idea to make STEPS available
at a local hotel has scattered her wisdom to many lands. The hotel is
owned by friends of mine and is frequented by Europeans and Locals.
THE HOTEL PEACE PILGRIM DISPLAY
in Guatemala - A piece of blue construction paper, with PEACE printed
in various languages, a Peace Pilgrim calendar in the center, 2 pockets
holding STEPS in the two languages were all that was needed to let Peace
Pilgrim speak again, inspiring and guiding others as her words had so
beautifully touched my own life. Around 50 STEPS find a home each month,
and it is not unusual to find a traveler, with their beans and tor-tillas
already cold, completely arrested by the power of truth in Peace's words.
Many travelers are seekers, and travel off the beaten path puts many
in a reflective mood. How wonderful if they can find a message of eternal
peace in a land recently ending 30 years of civil war. May they return
home to share with friends and family the greatest of gifts, the hope
and joy of universal truth.
PEACE
PILGRIM STATUE IN HER
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HOMETOWN IN NEW JERSEY
Helene Young, Peace Pilgrim's sister, sent us the front page of
the April 25 issue of EGG HARBOR NEWS. Here are quotes from an article
in that paper by Nanette Galloway, Staff Writer:
The Egg Harbor City Historical Society has hired an artist, Sally Laird
McInerney, to sculpt a terracotta
statue of Peace Pilgrim who grew up in Egg Harbor City. "It's a
wonderful idea to erect a statue of someone who has touched so many
lives," said Sandra Weber, president of the Historical Society.
"Many people don't know about Peace Pilgrim. It's our job to educate
the public and honor someone from the commu-nity who has done so much
to promote peace."
The project is a collaborative one. Students in the city's public schools
will design tiles that will be placed at the base of the statue. The
tile project is being incorporated into the school's art and character
education programs.
"We need peace in the world more than we ever did," said Boyle,
principal of the Spragg School. "We need to teach our children
to find a way to resolve their problems, other than through the use
of violence."
***
A COLLEGE PROFESSOR - Some time ago I ordered 50 copies of the
book, which I plan to pass to my college students in the Fall (and hopefully
recycle them in future semesters). A few weeks ago 2 Jehovah Witnesses
knocked on my door - a teenage boy and his grandfather. After some meaningful
interchange of ideas, I felt that the 16-year old would benefit from
reading the book and offered it to him after saying a few words about
Peace. About two weeks later I got a note from the boy's mother who
says how meaningful was the book to him and how he is connecting it
to his own path. I feel that Peace is and will always be working through
us.
A SAGE WHO WALKED HER TALK
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The new PEACE PILGRIM DOCUMENTARY is now ready for viewing, sharing
with friends, and showing on PBS and Public Access TV. Khashyar Darvich
and David Mueller, with the help of interns from Stanford and other
nearby colleges, gathered together invaluable material of Peace Pilgrim
being interviewed by reporters as she walked through the years, down
the road, across the country.
Khashyar and David also made wonderful taped interviews of John Robbins,
Maya Angelou, Dalai Lama, Dennis
Weaver and others who shared their thoughts about the Pilgrimage.
We are also very thankful for the superb editing by the devoted, professional
editor, Sharon Janis. She edited the
material in such a way that Peace Pilgrim herself speaks her message
and tells much of her own story.
The professional interviewing, combined with the professional editing,
has produced an excellent documentary.
The devoted interviewing by Khashyar and David and their searching out
archival shots from across the country
of Peace Pilgrim from the beginning of the Pilgrimage are deeply appreciated.
We also equally deeply appreciate the professional editing by Sharon
Janis.
We hear from many who say they love this outstanding documentary. There
are those who want more copies to
share with others.
***
THE APPEAL OF THE NEW DOCUMENTARY
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THANKS SO MUCH for the wondrous gift of the long awaited new Peace Pilgrim
Documentary! It is a very moving, inspirational MASTER PIECE. I viewed
it on the V.C.R. where I am house-sitting the evening it arrived, with
a couple of friends gathered round to share in the "unveiling"
of this monumental work!
I was totally engrossed from the very first moment of Peace's shoes
pounding the pavement till her very last steps at the end of the video.
I was riveted, and so were they! A job well done!
I laughed and shed a tear or more, too, at the sight of her dear face
and her ever fresh and more timely than ever
message of hope for this oh so war-weary world.
Since then, I have viewed it twice more at other friend's homes (all
to rave reviews) and intend to take it to
Meditation Mount. - Cheyene Bear
***
I just finished watching the new PEACE PILGRIM video. It was one of
the most beauty----full, most wonder----full things I have ever watched
- Mark Quire
***
VIRGINIA - I intend to share the book (PEACE PILGRIM) with others
by donating it to the jail library for future readers.
TERROR,
LOVE AND THE
STATE OF THE WORLD
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by John Robbins
If we are serious about stopping terrorism, then our goal must be to
reduce the level of pollution, fear, and poverty
in the world. If this is truly our goal, and if we devote our actions
and resources to its accomplishment, the support of Bin Ladens of the
world would inexorably evaporate. People who would have otherwise sided
with the terrorists will be clamoring to tell us who and where they
are, and to help us find and defeat them.
This goal is too costly, many say. But this is not true. The cost of
our initial military response will easily top $100 billion (on top of
our already enormous annual defense budget of $342 Billion). [This article
says the United
Nations Development Program estimated that an additional $40 billion
above current expenditures would provide
clean water and sanitation for everyone on earth, would cover reproductive
health services for all women world-wide, would give every person on
earth enough food to eat, basic health care and basic education for
all.]
The bitter historical events that came to fruition on September 11,
did not come from nowhere, but developed over decades and even centuries.
Likewise the peace and understanding we seek, and which alone will make
us truly safe, need to be nurtured and cultivated over generations of
time.
Terrorists are viewed as not quite human, as something totally alien
to us. To admit the humanity of a terrorist is to
admit that the terrorists has motives which may be grounded in a real
history of suffering and injustice. Erasing the terrorist's humanity
is necessary to establish our own innocence and righteousness, and to
justify unbounded
violence.
Paradoxically, it is of course the very refusal to recognize the humanity
of oppressed peoples that makes terrorism
seem like the only visible option to those who are otherwise helpless
to challenge the ruling powers. If the sense
of pain, injustice, and desperation is strong enough, some of those
whose voices are not heard will eventually resort to violence.
And so the "war on terrorism" perpetuates itself, recreating
the threats it claims to protect us from, expanding infinitely.
***
NEW YORK - I have lost the tapes or given some away that I like
to listen to when I am driving. She always makes me feel good. I need
Peace Pilgrim now! Please send me a complete set of audiotapes.
***
UTAH - It's great to know there are still human beings out there
that care about you.... - Louis, Draper, VT.
IMAGINE
PEACE COLORING BOOK
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"My name is Shanti Rahim, I am in 4th grade and 9 years old. I
created these coloring books to sell and donate the money to the Afghan
refugees. I am glad to be helping children in the world who need our
help. I hope that all
the people in the world will be treated equal someday. Thank you for
buying the coloring book. I hope you enjoy
coloring in it."
Shanti has been drawing since she first picked up a pencil. Her 17-page
coloring book is full of fun mystical and
magical drawings of ballerina angels, fire breathing dragons, fairies,
unicorns, smiling suns and mermaids, peppered with peace signs.
Shanti's grandmother, who returned from a visit to Pakistan, told her
about the refuge people from Afghanistan
starving, and homeless children begging in the streets. These stories
moved Shanti to draw peace-theme pictures. The idea to put these drawings
in a book was prompted by Shanti's mother who handbound the books that
includes one drawing by Ariana, Shanti's 6 year old sister.
When asked if she had anything to say to the public about her coloring
book, Shanti says she really hopes "people
donate money to the Afghan people because it will help save the world."
The coloring book is being sold for $5 each. Nokia, where Shanti's father
works, has agreed to match 50 percent of the total funds raised. For
a copy of her book, e-mail unamor@san.rr.com.
COMING
SOON, A NEW BOOKLET (Back to TOC)
by Gary Guthrie
I am working on a short biographical sketch of John and Ann Rush, founders
of the Peace Pilgrim Center. This biological and historical booklet
will include the history of the Peace Pilgrim Center from July 2, 1981
to the present time. It has been taken from past newsletters, interviews
with John and Ann and the remembrances of those who visited the Peace
Pilgrim Center.
This booklet will be part of the legacy Peace Pilgrim left behind, following
her death, and hopefully will be a companion peace to "An Extraordinary
Life".
If you have any memories that you would like to share and are willing
to have inserted in the biographical or historical section, send your
memories to the Peace Pilgrim Center by the end of August, Attention:
New Biography and History.
It came to Ann, after reading the above, that a number of you are
doing or have done very interesting things spreading Peace's message
- walking across India, walking in front of the Rose Parade on New Years
like Peace did, or tracing the slave trade across the Atlantic. We wish
we had done a better job of reporting these adventures. You can help
us now by reporting them. Wouldn't it be good to have such reports in
the archives of the Peace Pilgrim Center?
GRANNY
D, 90, WALKS ACROSS U.S.
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The U.S. House of Representatives presented election reformers with
a nice valentine at 2:30 a.m. last night
(2/13/02) when they voted to approve the Shays-Meehan Bipartisan Campaign
Finance Reform Act. The vote went into the early hours of the morning
because the antireform elements continued to push a series of failing
amendments to scuttle the bill.
When the last "poison pill" amendment was defeated in the
late hour, and the final vote was tallied to approve the
bill, many members of the House looked up from their celebration on
the House floor to salute a little old lady in the gallery - Doris
"Granny" Haddock, who walked 3,200 miles across the US
to promote the necessity of campaign reform. Minority Leader Gerhardt
led the members in saluting her from the floor. Minutes later she joined
them in a hallway filled with laughter and cheering and got her share
of hugs and kisses. All that day and the day before, Mrs. Haddock walked
the halls of the House office buildings to talk to as many Members of
Congress as possible urging them to vote for this bill.
Supporters, holding banners and signs, stood on the sidewalks between
the House office buildings and the House
side of the Capitol building to intercept and urge their aye vote. The
protestors were well received, especially by
Members and staff favoring the bill. At different points, Senators McCain
and Feingold came out to visit the volunteers and encourage them on,
as did Mr. Shays. Mrs. Haddock plans to be in Washington on Earth Day
where she will try to promote the value of Publicly financed election
campaigns as a tool of environmental defense. "Clean Elections
for a Clean Planet" will be her theme.
In a book
by Granny D she tells how Peace Pilgrim became her role model.
***
FLORIDA - I am incarcerated, and it is a daily struggle to find
any peace at all. And that inner peace that your "Peace Pilgrim"
speaks of, sometimes seems impossible. However, this little booklet
(STEPS TO INNER PEACE) opened my eyes to some things I may not have
seen before, or wasn't ready to see. That "inner peace," that
release - it can be obtained no matter where you are or what your situation
is. I catch myself saying often, 'when I get out.' I realize now there
is no reason to wait to find what I'm searching for. Then when I do
get out I can utilize the knowledge I've obtained.
Surrounded by what appears to be such ugliness, one of the things I
struggle with the most is how to keep a kind
and loving heart through this experience. There is a lot of hate and
anger that I am forced to live with. I pray that it
doesn't rub of on me. I also know only I can control that!
IN PRAISE OF PACIFISM
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by Susunaga Weeraperuma
Whenever the world is on the brink of war the protests of pacifists
are rarely taken seriously. The religious standpoint is rejected by
the vast majority.
We can ponder over the Buddha's famous words: "Let us live in love
among those who hate, let us live without hate whilst others hate."
This great religious teacher also declared that "all things tremble
before danger, all fear
death. When a man takes this into account, he does not kill or cause
to kill." Mahatma Gandhi's satyagraha necessarily involved nonviolence
at all times.
Because of my Buddhist upbringing I have been a lifelong pacifist. Needless
to say I am appalled at all the sabre rattling of world leaders. Why
is there such a dearth of articles on the importance of genuine peace
that necessarily involves the avoidance of force? It is all very well
to denounce terrorism, but how many realize that the use of military
power by any state is also a form of terrorism? War is state terrorism.
War is legalized murder.
Unfortunately we have been conditioned to think that state terrorism
is respectable and justifiable, whereas private
terrorism is reprehensible. The violent deeds of individual terrorists
are considered morally wrong, but it is morally
right for sovereign states to engage in useless wars that inevitably
bring death and destruction in their wake! This
double standard exists because our minds are confused. Many are suffering
from a war psychosis. One wonders
whether the eloquent and noble words that form the epigraph to the UNESCO
Constitution would ever be heeded: "Since wars begin in the minds
of men, it is in the minds of man that the defenses of peace must be
constructed."
It doesn't make the slightest difference to someone who is killed, whether
he was put to death by terrorists or by
paid solders in the employ of a state. Life is our most precious possession.
Has the state a moral right even to kill its foes?
The real winners of war are the manufactures and sellers of weapons
of destruction that stand to make vast profits.
Must they not render grateful thanks to their "peaceful" governments
for having permitted this deadly trade? Have
not these same governments financially gained by involvement in this
dirty business? Weapons manufacture is beastly and unworthy of civilized
nations. One of the best ways of discouraging future wars is the imposition
of a worldwide ban on the arms trade which, like the slave trade, ought
to be regarded as an anachronism. This is not a mere idealistic dream
but a very practical means of preventing militarized conflicts.
Both America and Britain are quite rightly proud of their rich Christian
heritage. Christianity is the very foundation of western civilization.
Although I am not a Christian, I sometimes turn to the Bible whenever
I feel the need for some inspirational reading. Must we not take heed
of Jesus' advice when he condemned all violence? "Put your sword
back in its place." instructed Jesus, because "all who take
the sword will die by the sword." Furthermore, Jesus asked his
followers "not to take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone
slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too."
Does this not mean that retaliating against any attack is contrary to
both the letter and the spirit of Christianity? Now is the time to forgive
and forget. Instead of tit-for-tat let us engage ourselves in intense
soul searching, sitting quietly and trying to discover why our
enemies hate us. Americans should first of all probe within themselves
and set their own houses in order.
***
The television program, THE
GOOD WAR AND THOSE WHO REFUSED TO FIGHT IT was recently aired on
PBS. I, John Rush, was one of those. I am not in this video, but some
of my friends are. A video of this program may be obtained by writing:
The Good War Paradygm Productions
2600 Tenth Street, Suite 429
Berkeley, California 94710
Phone: (510) 843-0789
***
A Peace Pilgrim friend suggested that we put in our
newsletter the quotation from Herman Goering at the
Nuremburg Trials. This quote was among the few notes about war that
Peace Pilgrim carried in the pockets of her tunic. Here is a part of
this quote.
It is the leaders of a country who determine the [war] policy,
and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether
it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or
a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always
be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you
have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the
pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger.
It works the same in any country.
***
MAINE - I have read the book, PEACE PILGRIM that
you sent to me and my only word is, "WOW". This is the most
inspirational book that I have ever read.
This book has changed my life forever and I will honor Peace Pilgrim's
message of love and peace by doing what I can in my own way of giving
love and service. I read this book three days ago; I hadn't even completed
it until yesterday, but I have already started to feel the wonderful
change that starts to take place when you live by your
highest light. I have a long way to go but thank you for putting Peace
Pilgrim's words in a book and thank God I
was able to find you.
PEACEFUL
TOMORROWS (Back to Table of Contents - TOC)
by Jordan Moss
Family members of victims, about seventeen so far, have joined under
the banner "Sept. 11
Families for Peaceful
Tomorrows" to encourage discussion of alternatives to war and
to bring aid to families affected by the US bombing campaign in Afghanistan.
A smooth Valentine's Day press conference in New York announcing the
organization's formation illustrated the
group's strengths and the challenges ahead. The packed room at the Church
Center for the United Nations across
from the UN included several reporters. They speak the same simple language
of grief as the thousands of others
who have lost loved ones in the attacks.
Even before they formally launched their joint effort, the members of
Peaceful Tomorrows have shown a knack for
getting their messages across. They've gotten local press in their hometowns
and several have written powerful essays that have circulated widely
on the internet. In perhaps their most compelling gestures so far, some
even traveled to Afghanistan to meet with families devastated by the
bombing, CNN covered their call for the US government to provide aid
for the war victims they encountered on their trip, both people like
themselves and grape farmers forced to abandon their land for fear of
harvesting unexploded cluster bombs, as well as new Afghan widows who
send their children to beg.
Robin Theurkauf, a mother of three boys who lost her husband at the
trade center, believes military retaliation is
only going to exacerbate US insecurity, "We're making recruiting
for the next wave of terrorists easier, I think," she
said. She resents being invoked as an excuse for war. "It seemed
like such a horrified thing, the idea that someone
would do this for me to someone else."
"We just want to give the American people a dialogue that they've
been denied in this rush to war," said Potorti,
whose brother, Jim, died at the Trade Center, "because we really
haven't had a chance to explore alternatives and
other ways of speaking to each other aside from dropping bombs."
***
I think the case is perfectly clear that - as with any major world
religion, as with Christianity and Judaism, the basic
thrust of Islam is toward justice and compassion, and the ultimate goal
of Islamic practice is peace.
- Michael Nagler, teacher of courses on nonviolence and meditation
***
Criticism is more than a right, it is an act of patriotism - a higher
form of patriotism, I believe, than the familiar ritual of national
adulation. - former Senator J. William Fullbright of Arkansas
THE PEACE PILGRIM STORY
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The Movie Project Report #1
This is the first of a series of reports intended to chronicle the
progress of a feature film or TV movie project about
Peace Pilgrim. The story reveals how Mildred Ryder grew into Peace Pilgrim,
what she does as Peace Pilgrim and
how her life affected and continues to affect our human family.
The research and development that has gone into the project to date
has taken well over a year. We recently completed the first draft of
the screenplay. From the beginning we have involved a team of film industry
professionals as well as persons who knew Peace. With the input of our
supporters and board members of the Friends of Peace Pilgrim, we anticipate
completing a producible script by mid summer.
The movie will seek to faithfully weave fact and fiction in a way that
is true to the Spirit of Peace. We are on the
verge of having a compelling screen story that will challenge the way
of war and hopefully inspire audiences, individually and collectively,
to seek the way of peace as a practical alternative. We feel the importance
of this message has never been more timely!
We are seeking the money needed to produce Peace Pilgrim as an independent
film, developed in association
with the friends of Peace Pilgrim. If you agree with us regarding the
importance of this project and feel called to work with us in order
to attract the people and funding needed to bring the story to the screen,
please give us a call. We will keep everyone up with our progress in
future newsletter updates.
Richard Roller & Gregory Bell
(818) 994-9318
Email: circle@att.net
***
WASHINGTON - The Peace Pilgrim has been one of my teachers since
I first found her in 1990. I picked up one of her books and pamphlets
at a peace symposium and I was hooked. I have since then picked up copies
when I find them to give to friends.
I am a teen-sponsor at our church and work with teens ages 14-19, and
I use Peace Pilgrim's book a lot in creating lessons for the kids. I
have several kids graduating this year and would love to give them their
own copy of the Peace Pilgrim at a special graduation ceremony at our
church on June 9th. I'd also like to give them the Steps Toward Inner
Peace. I would need 20 of each.
***
ERROR - In newsletter 36 we listed Oscar Arias Sanchez as president
of Costa Rica when their army was abolished. Thanks to Mary Newswanger
and Gerardo Budowski, the following is the correct version.
Oscar Arias Sanchez received the Nobel Peace Prize for engineering
peace in Central America in the late eighties when there was considerable
unrest in Northern Central America and the U.S was supporting the
Contras in Nicaragua. President R. Reagan called the Arias scheme
"fatally flawed," but Arias persisted and the Esquipulas
agreement brought peace to the region, and for this he was awarded
the Nobel Prize.
The army was abolished in 1948 after a military coup. In both, President
Jose ("Pepe") Figueres was the driving force. Figueres later
was often interviewed because of this, and when asked why he abolished
the army one of his favorite answers was: "Why Not?"
NATIONAL
WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME
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A panel of 30 judges from across the country scored the nominations
into the National Women's Hall
of Fame and
selected six outstanding American women to be inducted.
Billie Luisi-Potts, the Executive Director, writes:
"Although your nomination of Mildred Norman Rider [Peace Pilgrim]
was not selected for induction...we strongly encourage you to resubmit
a nomination for consideration of induction in 2003. To be considered
for 2003, the new nomination must be received by September 1, 2002.
Several of the Hall's most well known inductees were nominated many
times by many people before actually being selected for induction
and the judging. The judging process is very rigorous."
Write to: National Women's
Hall of Fame, 76 Fall Street, PO Box 3335, Seneca Falls, New York
13148. Phone: (315)568-8060.
***
FLORIDA - Dear Gary, It was a pleasure speaking with you today.
I cannot thank you enough for introducing the "Peace Pilgrim"
book into my life. It has had quite an impact on me. I do believe she
(Peace Pilgrim) is a modern day saint. That which she professed is parallel
to what is in the Bible. It is, however, written in layman's terms and
therefore easy to understand in our modern-day world.
I am ordering more books in the hope that my friends (a Methodist minister
included) will find the inspiration, hope, and peace of mind that I
have found from reading her words. I refer to my copy often and find
comfort in her divinely inspired words. She truly was an "appointed"
one in perpetuating Christ's message.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
Helena Morrissey
REDEDICATION OF THE PEACE
PILGRIM
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STATUE IN COSTA RICA
The following is taken from a letter by Mary Newswanger to Cheryl Canfield,
one of our board members and a compiler of the PEACE PILGRIM book.
I wanted to tell you about the wonderful event [the rededication
ceremony] that was held at the University for Peace on March 21, 2002.
You would have loved it. It was a very inspiring, beautiful and moving
occasion and it was such a privilege for our family to be there for
it. You might be interested to know that a few days prior to this
event, Koffi Annan and his wife visited the University for Peace for
several hours. It was the first time the University has ever been
visited by the Secretary General of the United Nations.
Robert Muller [former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations]
and Barbara Muller were there when I arrived at 2 pm, sitting on the
new bench that has been permanently placed beside the statue. Robert
spoke beautifully and rose to the occasion fully, which was wonderful
to behold. Then he asked David and Amos to unveil the plaque which
he and Barbara personally donated to be placed by the statue.
The plaque is lovely. It's on a concrete monument several feet high,
about one square foot, angled down
from the top. The green marble is smooth and flat with gold lettering.
It's simple and very beautiful. The
plaque says, Peace Pilgrim with 1908-1981 underneath. Then three lines
with "This is the way of
peace...Ending with a beautiful sentence Robert and Barbara chose."
At the end, I gave the first copy of the new Peace Pilgrim video in
its golden box, as a gift of honor to Robert Muller. No one had seen
it, so this was a very moving moment when they were presented with
it in front of the group.
SPREADING PEACE PILGRIM'S MESSAGE
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I had a show on WBAI FM radio, New
York City on international Women's Day, March 8, 2002 at 12 noon. I
opened the show with the story of Peace Pilgrim and dedicated the show
to her. Since then we have formed a
women's collective at the station and will continue with an ongoing
show. We hope to have a show with the theme for peace and to feature
her again. Also I will be attending the Fellowship of Reconciliation's
National Conference in June, in which I intend to take some Peace Pilgrim
pamphlets.
I gratefully learned about Peace Pilgrim at the Blue
Mountain Center in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. The [books]
have been distributed carefully to peace activists, socialists, artists,
pastors, writers. Many have been
placed in many library collections here.
***
What an inspiration Peace Pilgrim has been to me! I share
her story with everyone I meet and hope that they too are filled with
the brilliance of her life. - Katherine Arnolddoc
***
From our Guest Book
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A woman stopped here for a few days. She is walking to the United Nations
from San Francisco. Here are the words she wrote in our Guest Comment
book:
"Hello All, My name is Joyous Rainbow. i am currently on a peace
walk and was guided to this marvelous, wonderful Center. The philosophy
of my journey: is humans free to love, animals free to roam, plants
free to grow, spirit free to soar. This is a philosophy of joy with
compassion and respect for all life.
"My eventual destination is the United Nations in New York City.
i was spiritually guided & called to do this walk in August 2001,
in accordance with the wisdom shared with me when i did a vision quest
to verify this call.
"i began walking on March 20, 2002. It's a powerfully guided
journey, and i enjoy a huge amount of protection & love at every
moment. i walk in peace, joy & gratitude. Part of this journey
is about reconnecting with our true earth heritage, so i stay &
sleep on the blessed earth. i was offered a bed here, which i considered,
but chose to sleep on the earth, which is my true home. i have been
enjoying several nights here, sleeping among boulders that are millions
of years old. i feel so cradled by this earth & these stones.
It is a tremendous blessing for me to be here, sharing joyful, loving
energy with these delightful friends: human, critters, stone &
plant.
"Peace is a choice. We all have choices, and as more of us choose
peaceful ways, we will create peace among all. Our time is now, peace
is our destiny! We can get to peace by annihilating each other &
this planet, or we can get to peace by honoring & respecting all
our relations. This is the wise & joyful way to choose peace,
refuse war, learn to recognize all the many wars against humans, other
roving and all non-roving beings and all manner of life on earth.
We don't all have to agree at every moment; we can choose to accept
and learn from each other.
"One more thing - a great teacher of love walked this earth 2000
years ago. He was not the only such teacher, but one very wise &
loving one. As i see it, his teachings can be condensed into "love
all, judge none, & treat all as we would like to be treated."
Let us honor the teachings of love & compassion for all life.
This is how we create true peace on earth. i love you all."
(The use of the lowercase "i" has been the request of
the writer and not the typographically error of the editor.)
***
OUR
WEB MASTER, BRUCE NICHOLS, is now walking the Appalachian
Trail, to celebrate 50 years since Peace (Mildred Ryder then) walked
it. Next Newsletter and our Web page will have reports from Bruce.
***
PEACE
PILGRIM ON THE INTERNET
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by Bruce Nichols
In each Newsletter we like to
share a few links to other sites of interest. Two are listed below.
A comprehensive collection of sites we have found valuable can be found
on the Peace Pilgrim "Links" page at <http://www.peacepilgrim.com/links1.htm>.
THE EARTH CHARTER INITIATIVE
<http://www.earthcharter.org/>
Promoting Change for a Sustainable Future
"As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile,
the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward
we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of
cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community
with a common destiny." Visit the site. Read the Charter.
TYRIAN PEACE FORUM
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On Monday, June 17th 2002 @ 7 PM in the Lakewood civic auditorium [Ohio]
Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead
Maguire, founder of The Peace People & author of The Vision
of Peace Faith and Hope in Northern Ireland, will be the main speaker
for our first annual Tyrian Peace Forum. Tyrian is a non-profit 501-C-3
educational network dedicated to promoting peace, creativity and the
arts. We hold an annual Feile Bridie: Bridget Arts & Peace Festival
and workshops throughout the summer at Himmelblau House on Kelley's
Island. For more information contact: Dagmar Celeste, @ www.ladybugenterprises.com
or call (216)226-2912.
In travels, as former First Lady of Ohio, I encountered many ordinary
folks who remembered the Peace Pilgrim
fondly. Following the spirit of her message we created the Ohio Peacemaking
Education Network (OPEN) out of
which grew an innovative Holocaust curriculum entitled "Prejudice
Unleashed" and the creation of the first state
sponsored Commission on Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management in
the country. For more information you can read my recently published
book, WE CAN DO TOGETHER.
I am sharing all the above to help you decide to join OPEN [and 10 organizations
devoted to peace and justice]
and partner with us Now for the upcoming event in June and possible
beyond. Please respond to me or LEATRICE TOLLS AT 216-374-2547.
We would be honored to just be able to add you to the list of Peace
Partners but would also gratefully accept any advise, message to be
read at the event, or financial contribution.
***
Richard Polese, one of the five compilers of our PEACE PILGRIM book
and a board member, is co-publishing with Sunlit Press, the book, THE
WOUND OF DISPOSSESSION, Telling the Palestinian Story by Kathleen
Christison.
SOUTHWEST BOOK VIEWS reviews this book as "a profoundly revealing
work. It can help lead us out of a half-century of darkness and delusion
about the realities of the Middle East. To remain ignorant of these
realities is to invite almost certain future catastrophes."
Several commercial publishers rejected the book because, as one said,
the Palestinian perspective was not "the path to commercial success."
Direct inquires to Sunlit Hills Press Santa Fe, NM (505)983-2883)
***
MARYLAND - I just have read the booklet, "Steps Toward
Inner Peace." It has brought me the answers to questions as well
as reminders of the way to live with peacefulness.
RESISTING EVILDOERS
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by Michael Ventura,
newspaper columnist in Austin, Texas.
November 16, 2001
It's already ancient history - Madison Square Garden, October 20. Richard
Gere booed off the stage by Ground
Zero's firefighters and police officers for suggesting that Americans
view September 11 with "love, compassion and understanding."
Both his live audience and those who criticized Gere during the ensuing
commotion viewed him as a preposterous figure saying something outrageously
inappropriate to the wrong people at the wrong time. I wonder what the
reaction would have been if poor Richard had expressed the same thoughts
in these words, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an
eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer.
But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also. You
have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate
your enemy' But I say to you, Love your enemies, and pray for those
who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven"
(Matthew 5: 38 - 45, New Revised Standard Version).
Had Richard Gere read these words...well, it would have been quite a
moment. Would those (mostly Christian) firefighters and police have
booed him anyway? Perhaps. Would the (mostly Christian) commentators
have been as vicious? Maybe. But they would have found themselves confronting
a dilemma that they were not honest enough to admit in their reaction
to Gere's own words - words which after all meant the same thing. Had
Gere quoted Jesus, his audience would have had to face the gap between
their need for defense, security, and revenge, and the clear uncompromising
instruction of Jesus.
***
NEW JERSEY - A very good friend of mine has become very centered
and calm and is as awe stricken as I at this phenomenal message. Another
friend is starting a study at his church. And this is truly a non-coincidence.
I am a member of a Unity church and when I read that Peace had spoken
at many Unity Churches, well, I
just had to tell the church. Our Unity is in the process of moving into
a permanent home and wanted to start a library.
There are now several books available, thanks to you. An old friend
was struggling with some problems, and I pray this book gives him the
peace I am finding. I'm on my 5th reading, and it amazes me how blessed
we are to be touched by this book. I hope to order more materials soon
and to start a study of my own. Oh funny too. I was reading our local
educational offerings and noticed a meditation class that grabbed my
attention as it is based on
Peace's spiritual ideas. Thank you, Ann, for carrying on her work and
to all there who enable the literature to find its way to all.
THE TRANSITION TO
A FREER LIVING
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Within the hearts and minds of many people is the hunger
to fully live our most basic human values. One of these hungers is to
share the experience that comes at the end of our earth life. In her
new book, our friend, Nancy
Jewel Poer, tells her experiences doing "threshold work".
The book "Living Into Dying" is "A journal of Spiritual
and Practical Deathcare for Family and Community". It includes
sharing our humanness, knowing the local laws and even building a casket.
Beautifully written, the book tells personal stories that touch the
heart with truth, joy and humor. For more information, contact: Nancy
Jewel Poer, 5595 White Feather Way, Placerville, CA 95667. Reviewed
by Kathy Miller
Death is a beautiful liberation into a freer life
- Peace Pilgrim.
***
MASSACHUSETTS - I read Peace Pilgrim a few days
ago. I checked it out from the library here at Sivananda
Ashram. I am still feeling its transformative effects, and I hope they
keep right on going! Peace Pilgrim will definitely be one of my dear
companion-books from now on.
*****
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Link to PDF
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