Sunday, November 28, 2010
SYMPHONY of PEACE PRAYERS 2011
Symphony of Peace Prayers
Sunday 15th May 2011
West Park, 89 Autumn St
Geelong West
Join us in celebrating a wonderful event where representatives from various faiths
will lead participants in reciting their own prayers for peace; this simple act of religious and spiritual leaders praying the prayers of other faiths, joined in unison by all participants, sends a powerful message of tolerance and harmony.
“On this day, many people around the world connect with beautiful symphonies centered around prayers for world peace, with inter-spiritual and religious prayers, peace circles, meditations, honoring the great mother nature with dances, songs and beautiful rituals. With so many connected, this powerful ritual of prayers for peace will be surely expanding.
We will incorporate a colourful
World Peace Flag Ceremony for each world nation
to create a marvellous symphony.
will lead participants in reciting their own prayers for peace; this simple act of religious and spiritual leaders praying the prayers of other faiths, joined in unison by all participants, sends a powerful message of tolerance and harmony.
“On this day, many people around the world connect with beautiful symphonies centered around prayers for world peace, with inter-spiritual and religious prayers, peace circles, meditations, honoring the great mother nature with dances, songs and beautiful rituals. With so many connected, this powerful ritual of prayers for peace will be surely expanding.
We will incorporate a colourful
World Peace Flag Ceremony for each world nation
to create a marvellous symphony.
Our words, thoughts and prayers carry energy
and have the power to evoke change
Please ‘link in’ and network this special ceremony in your community. Thank you.
Ph/Fax - 03 5244 3461
Blog – http://www.peacepossibilities.blogspot.com/
http://www.byakko.org/
ADMISSION FREE
May Peace Prevail On Earth
May Peace Prevail On Earth
Symphony of Peace Prayers 2010
Sunday May 16th
SOPP was held in Geelong on a beautiful, sunny Autumn day. We ended up with sixty or more people sharing together.
A few comments after the event:
- It was soooooo beautiful; such a gentle, awesome, all encompassing energy. Much easier than in previous years which was interesting.
- I truly enjoyed our SOPP with its gentle, flowing energy filled with love. The most relaxed I've ever felt with this event.
- It was a beautiful focused day from set up to completion and all went really well with a soft balanced energy.
- It was such a joyous event filled with love, serenity and power. My sense was that something big has shifted energetically around the globe this year with this event. It was much easier energetically.
The harmony of voices of various faiths and spiritual traditions resounding in united prayer was a unique feature of Sunday's Symphony Of Peace Prayers. Members of both the Geelong Interfaith Network and general community joined thousands of others worldwide in this Symphony of Peace Prayers, containing within it a wish, a vision, and a mission for humanity to live in happiness, peace, health and harmony.
David Tournier, of the local Wathaurong people, gave a most beautiful, heartfelt Welcome to Country and our well known Monsignor James Murray gave the address on 'Oneness: What is Peace?'
A colourful, joyfilled World Peace Flag Ceremony followed, sending prayers for peace to the over 200 countries on our planet, symbolically using the flag of each nation. Children from the Baha'i Children's Choir, after singing peace songs, joined adults in a constant parade of flags held aloft, with all participants shouting out 'May peace be in .........' for each individual country.
It was an afternoon of rejoicing in sharing, with love and respect, and cherishing the oneness of us all.
July Ceremony 2010 at Fuji Sanctuary
July Ceremony 2010 Fuji Sanctuary
This was an awesome ceremony filled with incredible energy. It took approximately five hours to complete with full attention needed by all to successfully achieve its completion.We all sat out in the open air prayer field; a little like a mown paddock.
While saying this, it was also a ceremony that had a relaxed feel about it in its intensity. Music played at the start of each segment, where we sat on the ground in gentle prayer. We then stood to voice our kotodama (spirit of words).
The program was based on the recitation of the basics of Goi Sensei and Masami Sensei, Byakko teachings.
It was a very important ceremony , each person's presence being vital, as the earth is at a crucial , pivotal and critical time in its ascension,
The ceremony as a whole, rested on the dispatching/sending to HUMANITY, the highest of vibrations, via the words (KOTODAMA, or spirit/life of words) found in each of the Declarations, Prayer, INs, to help purify the accumulated negativity, as well as to impregnate ourselves with some key elements from the various Declarations, so as to become an even more heightened conscious body/vessel, of light , of peace, resonating the Truth, for humanity, for the world and the universe.
The powerful declaration to begin each of the first eight segments; World peace prayer, How man should reveal his inner self, WSKN, JSKN, Transforming the suppressed negative thoughts of the individual and humanity into light with kotodama and later with new IN, Gratitude & Bright Thoughts really placed us in alignment with Source.
PHILIPPINES
Philippines
Nicole & I journeyed to the Philippines in July 2010 to share time with Mario, Norma, Orlan, Yeyette and many others who blend Byakko 'tools' into their lives with so much love.
As well as time spent in Santa Magdalena, south of Sorsogon, with Mario, Norma & beautiful Shinjin Nicole, now two years old, we shared time with Satellite members at Tagaytay, out of Manila, for a day of travelling on buses, jeepneys & taxis, shared prayers at a beautiful home and yummy food.
I was so happy to attend the monthly 'Inner Peace with Mandala Writing' workshop with Mario back in Manila at the Peacemakers rooms, on my day of leaving. The various activities and sharing was such a deep experience for me. I was able to see firsthand how he conducts such a workshop. He is truly beautiful in his presentation and so filled with love for what he does and the people he's sharing with. I can easily see how he draws people both young and old to share in these teachings.
I left them all with a feeling of some sadness but mostly of enrichment; I had been with people who really cared about others and themselves.
Friday, April 23, 2010
May Peace Prevail On Earth
May Peace Prevail On Earth
Lyrics, music and vocals by Belinda McArdle of Geelong
You may need to go to the bottom of the page if the music video does not appear directly below.
Monday, April 19, 2010
GRATITUDE
GRATITUDE
Praising the Planet Earth
The blue planet earth is alive.
The mystic earth is awakening.
And the mountains and the streams
and the seas are
full of life and dance with pounding hearts.
Within them the Mind of God is alive.
Praising the Planet Earth
The blue planet earth is alive.
The mystic earth is awakening.
And the mountains and the streams
and the seas are
full of life and dance with pounding hearts.
Within them the Mind of God is alive.
Stones and rocks and minerals are,
although we can not see it with our eyes,
deeply breathing in all serenity.
deeply breathing in all serenity.
In those stones, on those rocks,
in those minerals
We can observe the radiation God emits.
We can observe the radiation God emits.
Animals, plants, insects and fish as well
All are active and full of joy.
Clear and pure is the sky and the sun is shining.
And the land is at peace.
Our body too and our cells too are shining.
Our body too and our cells too are shining.
All living beings and all thingsare living together in harmony.
They are radiating life
Masami Saionji
Prayer for Harmony between Humanity and Nature
We offer our prayer for humanity
to live in harmony with nature.
We offer our gratitude to the world of nature
for it's blessing,
and we honour the existence of all life
and the beautiful planet earth.
We pray with united hearts
that people around the planet may remember
that all life is sacred and interconnected.
Thus creating a world where all people
live in harmony with nature.
Monday, April 12, 2010
World Peace Flame
Victoria Sharp: World Peace Flame Foundation
The World Peace Flame was created in 1999 when seven living flames lit by prominent peacemakers on five continents were flown across the oceans by military and commercial aircraft to the United Kingdom and united into one eternal Flame in Bangor, North Wales. It is a universal symbol representing humanity's combined aspirations for peace.
The Flame is still being passed from person to person and lit by thousands of people daily as a dedication to peace. The World Peace Flame, a universal symbol for global peace and unity, is bringing hope to millions of people worldwide.
It is intended that each candle lit from the World Peace Flame becomes a new Peace Flame. Therefore, don't save your World Peace Flame for a special occasion, every day is special.
Light the World Peace Flame with thoughts of peace and please share the Flame with others by lighting more candles from this flame. You can re-light it at another time and it still retains the essence. Above all, let the World Peace Flame remind you of your inner light and the peace within your own heart.
Some of us from Geelong were fortunate to be part of peace activities in Sydney over the past two years for International Day of Peace, September 21st, events initiated by Biannca Pace. Within these functions was the presentation of the World Peace Flame by Victoria Sharp.
We were gifted our own peace flame, from which many candles have been lit and distributed.
We are hoping that Victoria will be present at our Symphony of Peace Prayers on May 16th here in Geelong. See a separate blog entry for details.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Sorrento Outing
Jenny on the ferry
Chrysanne doing the IN for Humanity
Only two of us were able to share this ferry trip across the bay. It was an exquisite sunny day, made for being outdoors on the ocean and in parks. Chrysanne Ferguson and I were led to an historic park where we performed many types of IN (special prayers in movement, sound and breath) and then held a World Peace Flag Ceremony with small laminated flags, placing them individually on a colourful fabric map of the world.
It is quite a while since we used the 5th Tuesday of the month for service work 'out and about'. It is always a wonderful experience to take our physical 'lightbodies' to other places.
It is quite a while since we used the 5th Tuesday of the month for service work 'out and about'. It is always a wonderful experience to take our physical 'lightbodies' to other places.
HARMONY DAY March 21st
Geelong Mayor John Mitchell
Harmony Day 21st March 2010We here in Geelong were asked to attend a Civic Function held by the City of Greater Geelong to welcome 2010 international students and recently arrived skilled migrants as part of Harmony Day, an annual event held right across Australia, coinciding with the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
A fabric Mandala was requested with the city logo on it, a map of Australia in the middle, and a few outlines of people around the edges of the circles.
Our city Mayor was asked to be the first to write upon it, with the 120 or more attendees invited to write after this. It was so wonderful to see so many adults and children from a diverse range of nationalities and cultures contributing to this mandala over the time.
We also hung the Parliament of World Religions mandala for attendees to look at. People enjoyed reading these messages.
Also presented as a backdrop to the event was the mounted works of over 100 entries in the World Peace Prayer Society Art Exhibition. This was very popular. Up until the 21st, the Exhibition had been present in the Foyer of City Hall for a week. May Peace Prevail On Earth energy had been circling mightily in our city this past week!!!!!
Three of our Satellite attended, being available to chat to people and help with the mandala writing.
Many members of Geelong Interfaith Network were also present.
Harmony Day 21st March 2010We here in Geelong were asked to attend a Civic Function held by the City of Greater Geelong to welcome 2010 international students and recently arrived skilled migrants as part of Harmony Day, an annual event held right across Australia, coinciding with the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
A fabric Mandala was requested with the city logo on it, a map of Australia in the middle, and a few outlines of people around the edges of the circles.
Our city Mayor was asked to be the first to write upon it, with the 120 or more attendees invited to write after this. It was so wonderful to see so many adults and children from a diverse range of nationalities and cultures contributing to this mandala over the time.
We also hung the Parliament of World Religions mandala for attendees to look at. People enjoyed reading these messages.
Also presented as a backdrop to the event was the mounted works of over 100 entries in the World Peace Prayer Society Art Exhibition. This was very popular. Up until the 21st, the Exhibition had been present in the Foyer of City Hall for a week. May Peace Prevail On Earth energy had been circling mightily in our city this past week!!!!!
Three of our Satellite attended, being available to chat to people and help with the mandala writing.
Many members of Geelong Interfaith Network were also present.
FLAMEFEST
Geelong Flamefest Friday March 19thThe initial inspiration for Flamefest came from a handful of residents who wanted to help build bridges between neighbours in Whittington, a Geelong suburb, to show multicultural pride and create a fun and affordable day for families.
This is a celebration of community, of cultural diversity and of suburban pride.
The Flamefest draws deeply on the well of creativity that lies within Whittington. It is a once-a-year opportunity for this neighbourhood to tell its own stories. Like many festivals, there are children’s rides and face-painting, but the Flamefest also has a strong Indigenous activities program.
Silvana and I attended this local neighbourhood event as part of the Geelong Interfaith Network. In our tent placed on the edge of the oval, we presented two mandalas; one was of fabric and the other cardboard. Last year I had the inspiration to create a mandala that was easy for people with disabilities to share, thinking at the time of my mum in a nursing home. I printed large positive words on coloured paper and allowed people to paste these on a mandala.
For Flamefest Festival I had a big sheet of red card, drew circles on it and people could choose their words to paste upon it. This proved popular with adults and children alike who either only had a moment to spare or found it a bit daunting to write on the fabric mandala.
For Flamefest Festival I had a big sheet of red card, drew circles on it and people could choose their words to paste upon it. This proved popular with adults and children alike who either only had a moment to spare or found it a bit daunting to write on the fabric mandala.
The fabric mandala too was very popular with additions being made from a culturally diverse range of people.
We loved the evening, even though we couldn't stay until dark to see the lantern parade. Our friends from the Interfaith network were very happy that so many people came and wrote on both mandalas and we had lots of opportunities to chat. Our Geelong Mayor wrote a message on the mandala too.
We loved the evening, even though we couldn't stay until dark to see the lantern parade. Our friends from the Interfaith network were very happy that so many people came and wrote on both mandalas and we had lots of opportunities to chat. Our Geelong Mayor wrote a message on the mandala too.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Pako Festa in Geelong West
Shirley Caroll & Monsignor James Murray
At the end of February was the annual multicultural festival, Pako Festa, in Geelong. We have a huge ethnic population who come out in force to present aspects of their culture in varied ways including a huge Parade, food stalls lining Pakington St, dance, singing, arts, crafts, etc. It's a wonderful day bringing all people together as one.
Our Geelong Interfaith Network always has a tent where different faiths can have their brochures for people to take and for conversation to occur. We often help decorate the tent in some way to become a more eye catching venue. Only minimal this year with the focus being the Parliament of World Religions Mandala, and art work from the World Peace Prayer Society. A beautiful combination.
Many people were fascinated by the mandala and even if many did not come and comment, there was a constant stream of onlookers as they passed, paused and then moved to stage venues or food stalls.
At the end of February was the annual multicultural festival, Pako Festa, in Geelong. We have a huge ethnic population who come out in force to present aspects of their culture in varied ways including a huge Parade, food stalls lining Pakington St, dance, singing, arts, crafts, etc. It's a wonderful day bringing all people together as one.
Our Geelong Interfaith Network always has a tent where different faiths can have their brochures for people to take and for conversation to occur. We often help decorate the tent in some way to become a more eye catching venue. Only minimal this year with the focus being the Parliament of World Religions Mandala, and art work from the World Peace Prayer Society. A beautiful combination.
Many people were fascinated by the mandala and even if many did not come and comment, there was a constant stream of onlookers as they passed, paused and then moved to stage venues or food stalls.
The art work from children around the world was also a drawcard. These were colourful and all radiating the message May Peace Prevail On Earth.
One of our interfaith members had some stones, so we found some marker pens and encouraged people to write positive words on the stones and take them home to place in their garden, or maybe place on their desks as paperweights. A very popular activity.
One of our interfaith members had some stones, so we found some marker pens and encouraged people to write positive words on the stones and take them home to place in their garden, or maybe place on their desks as paperweights. A very popular activity.
PARLIAMENT OF WORLD RELIGIONS MANDALAS
This is the finished fabric communal mandala created by many of the participants who attended over the week.See the previous post for more details.
PARLIAMENT OF WORLD RELIGIONS MANDALAS
Mandala Writing at the Parliament of World Religions - Melbourne 2009
During this week long event we were invited to present a Mandala exhibition accompanied by tables where individuals could write their own mandala or place a prayer/positive affirmation on the fabric Parliament Communal Mandala.
The Mandala Writings area was part of the Visual Arts Presentations and not a publicity booth, as were all the other representatives in the Exhibition Centre. The main volume of events were held in the new Convention Centre which is now attached to the Exhibition Centre. Our area was huge being 6m x 6m, with an ability to place mandalas both sides of the 2.4 metre high walls, if we chose!
The write up in the PWR program book read as follows: "Jenny Funston is the Oceanic Representative for the International department of Byakko Shinko Kai, promoting the universal peace message, 'MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH'. Mandala Writings is an interactive workshop where a fabric community Mandala will be created over the duration of the PWR week. PWR pariticpants are invited to visit Jenny and join in by writing their messages of peace and positive thoughts and contribute to creating this unique Mandala representing different cultures and spiritual traditions. There will also be a colourful display of completed Mandalas for all to enjoy with the revealing of the Parliament of World's Religions very own Mandala upon its completion. All ages welcome."
It has been suggested by the Chairs of the Visual Arts committee that they will get the Mandala framed so that it can become part of any Spiritual Art Exhibitions that occur in Australia or further afield in the future. We shall see.
The Mandala writing was available from 9am to 7.30pm each day so it was a big ask for seven days straight. It was such a wonderful opportunity to share with so many different people.
We were down the very back of the huge centre and it was like a mini peace sanctuary for all who visited. Many commented on the beautiful energy of peace and tranquility amidst the other hustle and bustle.
The communal mandala was very popular and visitors were so happy to contribute something from their hearts.
Many wrote individual mandalas too, but most, due to time constraints in going to talks, etc, just took information and/or blank mandala sheets.
It was such a wonderful experience to be involved with PWR in my home country and capital city and I'm a very happy person. I met such lovely people from different cultures, religions, spiritual traditions, etc, and found that we all really are the same.
During this week long event we were invited to present a Mandala exhibition accompanied by tables where individuals could write their own mandala or place a prayer/positive affirmation on the fabric Parliament Communal Mandala.
The Mandala Writings area was part of the Visual Arts Presentations and not a publicity booth, as were all the other representatives in the Exhibition Centre. The main volume of events were held in the new Convention Centre which is now attached to the Exhibition Centre. Our area was huge being 6m x 6m, with an ability to place mandalas both sides of the 2.4 metre high walls, if we chose!
The write up in the PWR program book read as follows: "Jenny Funston is the Oceanic Representative for the International department of Byakko Shinko Kai, promoting the universal peace message, 'MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH'. Mandala Writings is an interactive workshop where a fabric community Mandala will be created over the duration of the PWR week. PWR pariticpants are invited to visit Jenny and join in by writing their messages of peace and positive thoughts and contribute to creating this unique Mandala representing different cultures and spiritual traditions. There will also be a colourful display of completed Mandalas for all to enjoy with the revealing of the Parliament of World's Religions very own Mandala upon its completion. All ages welcome."
It has been suggested by the Chairs of the Visual Arts committee that they will get the Mandala framed so that it can become part of any Spiritual Art Exhibitions that occur in Australia or further afield in the future. We shall see.
The Mandala writing was available from 9am to 7.30pm each day so it was a big ask for seven days straight. It was such a wonderful opportunity to share with so many different people.
We were down the very back of the huge centre and it was like a mini peace sanctuary for all who visited. Many commented on the beautiful energy of peace and tranquility amidst the other hustle and bustle.
The communal mandala was very popular and visitors were so happy to contribute something from their hearts.
Many wrote individual mandalas too, but most, due to time constraints in going to talks, etc, just took information and/or blank mandala sheets.
It was such a wonderful experience to be involved with PWR in my home country and capital city and I'm a very happy person. I met such lovely people from different cultures, religions, spiritual traditions, etc, and found that we all really are the same.
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About Me
Peace Flag Ceremony
Offering the universal prayer "May Peace Prevail On Earth" for each country of the world, symbolically using the flag of each nation.