March 2009
LETS RING IN! THAT ALL MAY BE ONE
Posted by Doug on March 29, 2009
As these bells ring
I hope to bring
peace to me and others
We are all one *
Under the Sun
All of us sisters and brothers
If there is right in the soul
There will be beauty in the person
If there is beauty in the person
There will be harmony in the home
If there is harmony in the home
There will be order in the nation
If there is order in the nation
There will be peace in the world *
Lao Tzu
* If all nations realize the above truth
We are all one Under the Sun
All of us sisters and brothers
and make it part of their purpose
There will be peace in the world
MANKIND’S SMALL MOVEMENTS FROM VENGEANCE TO JUSTICE & PEACE!
Posted by Doug on March 23, 2009
Over the past 4,000 years mankind as a whole seems to have moved from vengeance and getting even to a more measured approach to justice and to some degree even forgiveness. This evolution can vividly be seen today in the more educated, advanced cultures vs the less educated and still rather primitive world cultures that unfortunately have more modern tools of destruction. These societies still are ruled by the survival of the fittest, and might-makes-right philosophies.
By striving for justice and equality in the way the "haves" treat the "have-nots, it seems to me that until we reach out to the poor of the world, and feed and educate them, mankind will continue to have this double standard of justice and injustice. This also bodes well for improving the economic global mess we are in, for it is precisely in raising up the poor to become productive members of the world community where we all share in its abundance and blessings — that a more equitable and thriving world economy will be attained. We will be giving out less assistance and taking in more of the fruits of these emerging economies. This can only lead to a sense of gratitude, which in turn brings more freedom and Peace…
BY FORGIVING OTHERS WE RING IN PEACE!
Posted by Doug on March 13, 2009
Pope John Paul II set an example by visiting the man in prison who tried to assassinate him and forgave him for his offense.
The Amish community forgave the man who came into their school house in PA and killed many of the children who were in class at that time.
Members of the First Baptist Church Congregation, Maryville IL, went to the family of the man who recently killed their pastor of 20 years and wounded several others and forgave him.
Some of the last words of Jesus Christ as he was dying on the cross were, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Forgiveness brings Peace.
BELLS RING OUT FOR JUSTICE WHICH CAN BRING PEACE!
Posted by Doug on March 12, 2009
If you want peace, work for justice. Pope Paul VI
This statement certainly rings true. The Chinese were the first to make bells over 3000 years ago. Legend has it that the Emperor had a large bell installed outside the palace walls. It was said that any of his subjects who had an injustice befall them were allowed to ring this bell and bring this grievance before him. If true, the injustice would be dealt with, but woe to him who made a false accusation.
The "Bell of Justice", a replica of the Liberty Bell, is in the rotunda of the Washington National Memorial Carillon Chapel. It was carted around Pennsylvania by women suffragettes with a muffled clapper beginning in 1915. This action was instrumental in helping to pass the 19th Amendment in 1920 giving women the right to vote.
THE DIFFICULTY OF RINGING IN PEACE…IT IS SUBTLE!
Posted by Doug on March 2, 2009
To promote peace is subtler than to promote anger and violence. But to truly promote peace we need to be totally proactive in our resolve with quiet, active, repose both within and without.
As we all know media accounts of violence, anger, war, destruction sell. These sorts of atrocities and acts of barbarism are likely to engage and capture the attention of more people than stories of compassion, heroism, and just everyday selfless giving for others. And we also know that conflict and negative reality adventure shows sell on TV and in the paper more than anything else.
Despite our human curiosity for this sort of negative news coverage, the greater bond that ties all of society together is a shared, innermost longing for peace and tranquility in our lives and throughout the globe. The unifying bond that underlies peace is a love that is embedded in every human heart. And so, peace translates into a love that is capable of extending even to those who do not reciprocate in kind. Peace, in large measure, stems from a love that is capable of forgiving.
This is the true purpose and meaning of Art and on going education, to discern what is sensitive from what is gross, leading us away from mass emotionalism to the subtle state of greater awareness in what really matters. We invite you to all continue growing in knowledge and wisdom which will lead to greater awareness, leading to a greater love of creation, service and peace!
