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""Blessed
are they who see the change we call death as a liberation
from the limitations of this earth-life, for they shall rejoice
with their loved ones who make the glorious transition."
Peace Pilgrim
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Joyful
Somerset
(index)
This time of the year is lovely in Somerset, California
in the United States. Clear blue skies, warm days, cool nights and
a brisk feel to the air. It is invigorating, inspiring and peaceful.
Lyuda from St. Petersburg, Russia was visiting us recently. Ken came
from Chicago, Illinois, just when we needed someone to cut wood for
our fireplace. We are now enjoying winter wind and rain with warm
fires and friendly, stimulating companionship.
It is a great joy to share with you
that Peace Pilgrim's message of inner peace continues to spread around
the world. 'Amigos de Peregrina da Paz' in Portugal is a new Peace
Pilgrim Center created by Ana Sousa and friends. They have books in
English and "Steps Toward Inner Peace" to distribute and
are happily seeking a way to print in Portuguese the materials that
were translated in Brazil. {Amigos de Peregrina da Paz. Pta. Principe
da Beira, 8 - 8 Esq. 2735 - 523 S. Marcos, Portugal}
The Peace Pilgrim book in Spanish and
'Pasos' distributed from the Peace Pilgrim Center in Somerset are
now also available in Spain. {Jordi Vall. Estacion 7, 1e 28030 Las
Rozos. Madrid, Spain}
Our friends around the world let us
know that there are six translations in progress: Chinese, Japanese,
Danish, Thai, Korean and Greek. If you are aware of any other translations
in process at this time, please notify Kathy Miller {peacepilgrim@d-web.com
or call (530) 620-0333}
Morten Barfoed from Denmark shares with
us his impressions: "Dear Kathy, I've translated the introduction
and the first chapter! My colleague has reviewed the introduction
and found many interesting (fundamental) issues, such as a tendency
to 'americanize' the Danish language. Some are inevitable start up
issues of finding the right 'tone of voice'. In fact, that's our emphasis:
Peace Pilgrim speaks in a simple, kind and straightforward manner,
and we want her tone of voice to be heard in Danish. Probably it will
take a while before we find the melody."
We are delighted to share in the joys
of their work.
The Friends of Peace Pilgrim in Somerset, California
wish you peace.
John and Ann Rush, Kathy Miller and Gary Guthrie.
Living to Love and to Give
(index)
This interview of Mayte is based on a program directed by Charito
Calvachi Wakefield, first broadcast by Radio Center, WLCH 91.3 FM, Lancaster,
Pennsylvania, USA.
1. Let's begin Mayte. Is love something we find only in human beings?
Animals also have the aptitude for love ... possibly many of our
friends listening have experienced the affection of a pet. The skill
that is characteristically human is the capacity to think.
2. What is a person saying when they claim they have never been
loved?
We all have received love during our lives, Charito, even if sometimes
it is difficult to appreciate it. Think, for example of all the care
and affection necessary to help a child grow. Without a kind hand,
a loving hand, our first years of life would be practically impossible
to survive. Many of us possibly are able also to relate experiences
with that 'special teacher' who offered us affection and understanding;
the one who helped guide our youthful steps.
The calendar "Acts of Kindness" published this:
"Kindness, love and compassion do not simply come to us; they
are generated by our decision to cultivate them inside ourselves and
to share them with others".
3. Are there selfish ways of loving?
As psychologists we have come to the conclusion we all need love.
A psychologist who studied this, Abraham Maslow, put the need for
love as more important than our need for air, water, and food. For
many the search for love is frustrating. Erich Fromm explained this
to the effect that the majority of people focus on love as principally
being loved by others, instead of orientating themselves to be loving,
which puts the responsibility on each of us. The approach that can
be considered egotistical is to ask that we be loved, wanting to receive
instead of actively loving others; that is to say orientating ourselves
to give. Let's remember that it is in giving that we receive.
There are people who dedicate time to things for themselves in order
that others may love them, for example the use of stylish clothes,
cosmetics, current topics of conversation, and other similar items.
They then hope the correct person will come along and will love them.
This is an orientation centered on oneself. It is when we orient ourselves
to others, when we become active expressions of love, that we demonstrate
the best in ourselves. And it is in actively loving that we receive
love in abundance.
4. Why does love have us give ourselves to those we love? What do
we need to do to make this happen?
The quality of giving is manifested, Charito, when we come to understand
that the golden key is in loving others, instead of hoping that others
love us. And of course, love generates love.
When we love, we devote ourselves to look for ways of bringing well-being
to those we love, son or friend, community group, our country or the
entire world. It is an attitude of service to others. And with this
attitude we find the greatest blessings.
I believe it was Tagore who said:
When I slept I dreamed that life
was
happiness.
When I awoke I saw that life
was
service.
When I served I discovered that in service
is
happiness.
5. How is it possible to teach our children to love and live in
peace?
Let me refer to Chapter 10 of the book 'Peace Pilgrim: Her Life
and Work in Her Own Words', as she speaks emphatically about this
aspect of children's education.
She says: " I met a couple who were determined that they were
going to train their four children in the way of peace. Every night
at dinner they give a regular sermon on peace. But one evening I heard
the father scream at the older son. The next evening I heard the older
son screaming at the younger son in the same tone of voice. What the
parents said hadn't made any impression at all - what they did was
what the children were following.
Implanting spiritual ideas in children is very important. Many people
live their entire lives according to the concepts that are implanted
in them in childhood. When children learn they will get the most attention
and love through doing constructive things, they will tend to stop
doing destructive things. Most important of all, remember that children
learn through example. No matter what you say, it is what you do that
will have an influence on them.
This is a very challenging area for parents. Are you training your
children in the way of love which is the way of the future?..."
6. Can human beings love without a belief in a supreme being?
It depends on to whom you ask -- I have known people who, without
formal religious
education, are dedicated to love and be of service to others. I also
know people who go to church constantly and yet act in ways not necessarily
in agreement with their higher values.
From my point of view the love of God and unity with all human beings
and with the universe is the ultimate goal.
I see the smile of God in every face.
7. Is love the beginning of everything and also the end?
The way of peace, Charito, is the way of love..
I would like to share with you and our friends listening some Sabian
affirmations that we may use for inspiration in our lives. All relate
to the wonderful potential of allowing our hearts to open to others:
I thrill within my heart to every breath of life.
My heart is opened wide to every song of life.
My heart renews its fellowship with every other heart.
Love is the sharing of wealth of all that is real!
Artistic
Expressions
(index)
"In the past it was sufficient to desire peace for our land,
or even for our neighborhood. Today the reality of interdependence
is extremely explicit: the only peace that makes sense to speak of
is world peace. And that depends on the peace that reigns in the hearts
of individuals."
From the book "The Art of Living in the New Millenia"
by The Dalai Lama
Contributed by Mar’a Elena T. de Zaffuto, Argentina
Zen Song
In the center of the feet
the base.
In the center of the back gravity.
In the center of the heart blessings.
In the center of being receptivity.
In the center of sound the silent presence.
Sent by Néstor
Hugo Almagro, Argentina
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Assisi, Italy - Photograph
by Bruce Nichols
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*****
"Peace allows us to be instruments in the work of God ".
Shared by Virgilio Sánchez,
United States
*****
We are part of Totality
and every touch in the fabric of Humanity
makes it vibrate..
SFC, Argentina
*****
"Yoga believes in transforming the individual before transforming
the world. Any
change we wish to happen outside should happen inside. If you walk
in peace and express peace in your life, others will see it and learn."
Sri Swami Satchidananda
Shared by Lama Dudul Osal Dorje, Ecuador
Sabian Corner
(index)
Section inspired by the collaboration of Mike Elliot, Gene Johnson,
Dan Reynolds and Mayte Picco-Kline.
"CREATIVITY -- is a PROCESS
any HEALING -- is the MANIFESTATION of SPONTANEOUS CREATIVITY
therefore PEACE
should not be thought of as some ultimate accomplishment to be fostered
On Earth but rather an ONGOING and a CONTINUOUS and IDEALLY SPONTANEOUS
bubbling of CREATIVITY - the very INNER FLAME of US ALL - an ILLIMITABLY
PRODUCTIVE SOURCE
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leading
to a wonder-full sense of WHOLENESS
of brother and sisterhood
and a shared desire and desire to share
THE FRUITS of our INDIVIDUAL GOD GIVEN TALENTS & GIFTS."
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"The upwelling of love's presence was most welcome... with the
resounding of our words from the Meditation on the Healing Gifts:
"Be still and know that love is here! A divinely all-embracing
love.... "
Connected
to the Internet
(index)
Sabian Assembly - http://www.sabian.org/
The Peace Pilgrim Website
-Connecticut
http://www.peacepilgrim.net
Friends of Peace Pilgrim-Somerset, California,
USA - http://www.peacepilgrim.org
Enlace Internacional - English
and Spanish
http://www.peacepilgrim.net/news_sp/enlace27e.htm
http://www.peacepilgrim.net/news_sp/enlace27.htm
Council for a Parliament of the World's
Religions - http://www.cpwr.org
Beacons of Hope
(index)
There are many efforts sprouting all over the globe to
contribute to a world of PEACE. The Council for a Parlament of the World's
Religions is a magnificent representation of such efforts and acts.
The mission of this group is to cultivate harmony between the world's
religious and spiritual communities, and foster their engagement with
the world.
The vision of the Council is of a just, peaceful and sustainable world
in which:
The Earth and all life are cherished, protected, healed and restored.
Encourages
understanding and respect
People
everywhere come to know and care for their neighbors.
The
richness of human and religious diversity is woven into the fabric
of communal, civil, societal and global
life.
The
world's most powerful and influential institutions move to broader
interests and realize the common good.
Religious
and spiritual communities live in harmony and contribute to a better
world from their riches of wisdom and
compassion.
All
people commit to living out their highest values and aspirations.
Welcome
(index)
A warm welcome to our newest friends in the Enlace
Internacional circle:
Roberto López in England, Karen Lorentz y Debby Light of the
United States, Lama Dudul Osal Dorje in Ecuador y Alma Friedel Arauz
in Spain.
Appreciating
Peace Pilgrim and Her Work
(index)
She expresses her life and work so clearly that there
is a change touching the depths of the heart and transforming many
things in our lives.
(Pedro Roblejo Ramos, Cuba)
She has read Peace Pilgrim for a long time and always
has used Peace in her talks as an example. Now she loves to relate
the way in which Peace practiced her renunciations, since to undertake
her walk on behalf of peace she had dispose of unnecessary material
things.
(Elsa Vázquez, Argentina)
I give eternal thanks to the Lady Peace, because
in my true fall her teachings and actions served me as my only support
to continue living. Thanks Peace!
(Martha María Morales Batista, Costa Rica)
Reflections
(index)
(Participate in this section by selecting a phrase
or sentence from the Peace Pilgrim materials. Please indicate source
and page.)
Q: What should retirement mean to a person?
A: Retirement should mean not a cessation of
activity, but a change of activity with a more complete giving of
your life to service. It should therefore be the most wonderful time
of your life: the time when you are most happily and meaningfully
busy.
(Silvia Ruth Crespo, Argentina)
If you radiate happiness and cordiality, if you're full of love and
good will toward all beings, all creatures and all creation, one thing
is certain: You know God!
(Amparo Vila Pérez, Spain)
There is a wake-up call today that may well launch a new renaissance.
Perhaps the desire to survive is pushing us in that direction. (Zoraida
Consuegra, United States)
When you approach others in a friendly, loving way, without judgment,
they will tend to judge themselves similarly and be transformed.(Hna.
Magdalena de Jesús, Chile)
No life can be harmonious unless belief and practice are in harmony.
(Rosita Zavarino, Argentina)
You cannot change anyone except yourself. After you become an example,
you can inspire others to change tehmselves. (Emilia Kuri, México)
Favorite Quote…
If you have a problem, carry it to God in prayer, and imagine it in
the hands of God. Later leave it, with the knowledge that it is in
the best possible hands, and turn your attention to other matters.
(Zoraida Consuegra, Unnited States and Mayte Picco-Kline, England
(Octubre, 2000), Yanexy Gutiérrez Arañóz, Cuba)
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