Global Zero-- end nuclear weapons (click here)

This website offers an opportunity to add your voice to the global initiative to end nuclear weapons.

"... Building a new global nuclear consensus is the only way to achieve lasting solutions to challenges such as Iran's nuclear ambition."

April 15-- Yuval Ron Ensemble (Click Here)

This looks like a great opportunity-- right here in Anchorage-- to see the power music has in the fostering of world peace. See video link below.

Middle Eastern Music--Presented by Anchorage Concert Association, Discovery Theatre, Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Yuval Ron Ensemble, led by Oscar-winning Yuval Ron, includes Jewish, Arabic and Christian artists who come together to perform both sacred and folk music of the Middle East. The ensemble is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the Middle Eastern cultures through music as well as creating musical bridges between people of different faiths.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akbZFWFdomY

Except from Major Barbara (Click Here)

On Feb 16 Paul Bryner read 2 paragraphs from George Bernard Shaw's book, Major Barbara.   Click on the title above to find the eBook, Major Barbara.  Go to the second section of the Preface, entitled "The Gospel of St. Andrew Undershaft".  Scroll down to the paragraph that begins "but the thoughtless wickedness with which we scatter sentences..."

Any System by Leonard Cohen (Click Here)

On Feb 16 Paul Bryner read "Any System" from the book Energy of Slaves (1972) by Leonard Cohen.  The poem is written from the view of democratic citizens to their leaders.   Click the title above to link and read "Any System".

Weaving Our Talents: Feb 16 Peace Offering

Program at Felix Cafe February 16, 2009

1. Peace Alliance Presentation given by Lori Draper

2. Music & Singing by Ellen Lockyer on Guitar

3, SGI Singers with Shea Braniff, Mio Braniff, Ellen Lockyer, and Claudette Engblom-Bradley

4. Story told by Pam McDowell Saylor

5. Excerpts from George Bernard Shaw and poem read by Paul Bryner

6. Artwork Presentation given by Anda Saylor

7.  Everyone sang Peace Train

Everyone enjoyed the celebration.  Your comments are welcome.

Inner Peace

As a first entry on the blog, I'd like to share a quote about inner peace. I believe that peace can only be sustained in a world where individuals have discovered the peace that lies within. I believe that hand-in-hand with our efforts to create change in the world, it is essential to attain a state beyond the mind, from which mind can manifest thoughts aligned with higher impulses-- peace, contentment, love, courage, gratitude, humility, etc.

Here is the quote:
All experience is preceded by mind,
Led by mind,
Made by mind.
Speak or act with a corrupted mind,
And suffering follows
As the wagon wheel follows the hoof of an ox.

All experience is preceded by mind,
Led by mind,
Made by mind.
Speak or act with a peaceful mind,
And happiness follows
Like a never-departed shadow.

--The Dhammapada (translated by Gil Fronsdale, Boston: Shambala Books, 2005)

Ikeda's Peace Proposal for UN 2009

 New today!  

Daisaku Ikeda's Peace Proposal to the UN for 2009.  

He has delivered a peace proposal every year since 1983.  This year the focus is on developing Humanitarian Competition in our financial markets throughout the world.  To view the summary click the title for this blog item.