Essay: The Allegory behind the Restoration of Light

It is obvious that the name, Restoration of Light, carries an allegorical meaning. The world is not actually covered with physical darkness and HWPL is not a science organization, which plans to shine the world with physical light. The name, Restoration of Light, carries a separate meaning.

The physical light that we see is provided by the sun that shines every day for a certain number of hours. We call this day. The explanation for the sun's activity can be provided by scientific theories, however, this post ventures to understand the relationship between light and its allegorical position in creating World Peace. In a day, after a period of time, the light disappears as the darkness slowly cover the surface of the earth. This is a natural process that has been repeated for countless numbers of years. Then, what kind of representation does light have in terms of restoring peace in the world?

Surprisingly, the Korean Independence Day is referred as the Day of Restoration of Light. The restoration is definitely referring to darkness. Before its independence, the Koreans refer that era as a period of darkness. Similarly, when the name, Restoration of Light, is included in working towards achieving world peace, it implies that it is the period of darkness for the world. It is not limited to an individual nation, but to the whole global period, we are facing darkness. However, based on the natural order, light must come. And just as the entities of heaven move their position to provide light and darkness, Mr. Man Hee Lee is also advocating that we must now work to bring back the light.

If we are living in a period of darkness, what could darkness represent? It could represent the terrible conflicts and wars around the world. Why are these used to represent darkness? It is natural to us to identify darkness with negative connotations. There could be many reasons of darkness' representation with such evil or terrible acts. One reason that I would like to share is, the essence of darkness does not truly exist.

Darkness is the absence of light. This is how darkness is defined. It does not center around itself, but it centers around the presence of light. The light is the center and the subject. Darkness is only an object that reacts to light. It is only created when light is absent. This is why we are restoring light. The light that once existed, disappeared and now it is the time to return. Darkness cannot be restored or return, because it essentially reacts to light. I think this is why heavens provided light. Light is given by the heaven. On the other hand, darkness is not. This fact supports that war could have not existed since the beginning, if we identify war with allegorical darkness.

Then, now, what is light? What does it symbolize? I think the light can refer to many things, which are opposite of darkness. It can be the individuals, who work for peace, or it can be a world of peace. Just as the slogan, "When Light meets Light, there is victory", as we gather our strengths together, we will be able to triumph over war and conflicts in the world to start a new time period of peace. Even a small spark of light can be seen in darkness just like the stars in the sky can be seen in the deepest night. Each person's hope for peace can be seen in the world, especially in the eye of the divine creator.

Georgian Youth Peace Debate

On July 24th, university students at Georgia hosted a peace debate with the title "The Pieces of Peace." It is somewhat interesting that the address of this blog is also pie pieces of peace. I guess youths in other parts of the world also share a cheesy sense of humor with the word that seems to be trend in the middle of this decade.

It truly fascinates me that the influence of IPYG, an organization that started in South Korea, is spreading to other parts of the world after the WARP Summit. It shows the mass effect of the WARP Summit on the world. It did not only influence its participants, but its energy and spirit carried on through the participants and the viewers across the world. We see many debates in our community, school, and even in politics. The purpose of this debate is to reach to a better conclusion or to present your opinion on a such topic.

It is great to see that debates are being conducted on the topic peace. I hope that more debates would be conducted around the world with the mind to create a better world. Also, as Chairman Man Hee Lee is travelling around the world, we should motivate ourselves to fulfill our role as peace advocates.

A quote from the film, X-Men: Days of Future Past

In the film, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Dr. Trask, one of the main antagonist, talks about the history of the world. Although he talks in the manner to bring the mutants into extinction, he makes a point about the history of mankind.

"And how many of our sons and brothers did we just ship home in body bags? Maybe 50, 55,000? And how many more on the other side? Never before in all of human history has there been a cause, which could unite us as a species until now."

The intention of Dr. Trask is clear: to create a humanoid that will keep peace. His method turns out to be ineffective, because it becomes out of control. However, his quote implies that the ultimate enemy is extinction. And in the past we have been fighting against one another, which resulted the deaths of many youths. It is also true that there has not been a cause, which all people united to achieve.

I hope that this cause that would unite all of us is the peace movement. This movement started by Mr. Man Hee Lee and HWPL has been catching the attention of the world. And people around the world have been joining the movement as a peace advocate. This would open a new era of genuine and long lasting peace

Interview: Chairman Man Hee Lee

This interview with Chairman Man Hee Lee, the peace advocate who has been actively travelling around the world to promote world peace and end of war, summarizes the vision and the thoughts of the Chairman. Even though the translation is in German, I hope to share a quote of Chairman Lee that stood out to me.

"The divine being promised in the scriptures on how He will bring peace to the world for thousands years."

-This is the main vision of HWPL WARP Offices. HWPL believes that there must be a comparative studies on religious scriptures based the prophecy regarding peace. This is the purpose of WARP Office. It is to find the true will of the divine being, who created the world, so that we may be able to find an understanding in between religions.

Reflection on Isocrates' Quote on Peace

Isocrates is an Ancient Greek orator, who made great contributions to the study of rhetoric. He also was a teacher, who was responsible to lead his students into a correct way. In his quote, he writes that peace must be made with not only different nations, but with all mankind. What could this mean? He is not only identifying other nations, but with every mankind. Regardless of who they are, we are responsible to make peace with them.

I maintain, then, that we should make peace, not only with the Chians, the Rhodians, the Byzantines and the Coans, but with all mankind...

-Isocrates, "On the Peace", c. 355 B.C.

Even at a time when war was something natural, the idea of world peace and unity existed through great minds like Isocrates. Since Isocrates and possibly before him, many thinkers of peace existed. However, they were only thinkers. They were not able to fulfill their thought into reality. Unlike these bright thinkers, Chairman Man Hee Lee is able to make peace between all mankind. Through WARP Summit, he not only made with peace with people from different background, but he made peace exist between these people.

Peace in Uganda

The Peace Advocate, Mr. Man Hee Lee visited Uganda to spread his message of peace in Uganda. The vision and the solution that Mr. Lee presents are essential and practical in achieving End of War and World Peace. His visit in Uganda attracted many people Uganda, who were interested in seeing a peaceful world. With the active participation of the people in Uganda, we see that we are one step closer to world peace. We hope that more people in different countries would join HWPL's movement towards a generation of peace!

A song that gives us a friend

This is the song that gives us comfort, when we are in trouble. Even though it is a time of trouble, we have a friend that we can always lean on. The verse in the lyrics that stood out to me the most was "Swallow your pride". Pride is something that prevents us from reaching out to even our friends. If we are not able to reach out to our friends, who we are supposed to lean on, then how can we reach out to those, who we are different with? Having pride in something is good, because it means we have confidence in who we are. However, it cannot be something that causes us to separate from others. We need to understand that others also have pride in their identity just as us. And in order to earn the respect of others, we also need to respect them in who they are. I think this is the definition of friends. It may be different in terms of scale, when we compare the friends, who we meet in our neighborhood and the friends, who may be completely different than us, but it is a matter of perspective. The WARP Summit and the activities of HWPL and Chairman Man Hee Lee brought a greater awareness in terms of tolerance. The WARP Summit showed to its participants that we all share the same pain and sorrow. After the Summit, we all became wiser, as we come to understand more about each other. The Summit created friendship, in which we have a friend from a community different than ours, who we can lean on. And it united us together as peace advocates.

Lean on me

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

So swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show

The History of United Nations

It is incorrect to say that no one attempted to create a world of peace. After the war to end all wars (WWI), an international government was proposed to regulate order in the global society. The horror of World War I influenced the leaders of the world to work towards preventing any future war. Although it was not successful, since another disastrous war was waiting for the world, the leaders of the world agreed that war needs to be prevented. This international government that became a predecessor of United Nations was called League of Nations. It was founded on 10 January 1920. The organization sought to prevent wars and solve conflicts through negotiation.

After two decades the League of Nations become replaced with the United Nations. The involvement of the United Nations during post-WWII era was essential and their position prevented wars becoming terrifying as the two previous World Wars. However, despite their effort, wars persisted. Even after the Cold War, the United Nations worked to prevent struggles in different places in the world.

Even though I am grateful for the efforts of the United Nations, in terms of their work on peacekeeping in the various parts of the world, I think it is a time, when we need to take another step forward. Instead of tackling the conflict, whenever they rise up, the United Nations needs to solve the origin of these problems. If there is a hole in a water bucket and water starts leaking, one cannot fill the bucket, if he or she only tries to put more water in. One needs to stop the original problem, which is the hole. Just like this water bucket, if the United Nations does not solve the original problem of all conflicts, then conflicts will continue to persist.

I believe sincerely that Mr. Man Hee Lee and HWPL has the key to world peace and the original problem. HWPL may not have the resource that the United Nations has, but it has the correct vision and the solution to world peace. These are the visions outlined by the Chairman. The WARP, an event held last September, brought different leaders from different society together to find a way towards peace.

Our Desire for Peace

Aren't we all humans? Then why can't we all live in peace?

Everyone desires peace, but war brings death, sadness and hatred.

Everyone desires peace, then why does war happen, despite this unquestionable fact? Wars happen, because of a conflict in opinion and conflict in interest. It is true that we wish to gain more than others. However, we must understand the consequences that war bring. These are death, sadness, and hatred. What is more important to us? Is it the special privilege that we have over others or is it peace? What are we willing to give up, if we are given the choice between these two? If we want privilege, then we must become higher in authority and position than others. This will naturally cause conflict. And this conflict will lead to war. Do we want this, because it turns out in our history, our choices were not optimal. So, are we willing to tolerate those with some difference? I think this is the true meaning of peace. It is the act of overcoming my thoughts and prejudices against other and transcending to unity with them. Peace is not only an absence of war, it is understanding others despite the difference. As the first quote says, we are all humans. We have one big similarity with each other. We are all humans.

For never was a story of more...

Was Shakespeare a peace advocate? Not necessarily as his play, "Romeo and Juliet" was written as a tragedy. However, we are able to learn lessons from this play and the example that our two lovers displayed by overcoming their family ties. Unfortunately, because of the older generation's dispute, the two youths were sacrificed. Just like Romeo and Juliet, we all have our own personal ties. This could include, our family, religion, beliefs, or nations. Even though their love was romantic, they were able to overcome these boundaries and ties. In the famous 'balcony scene', we are able to learn a lesson from Juliet.

'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;

Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.

What's Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot,

Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part

Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!

What's in a name? that which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.

A name is only a name. And she understands that there is no meaning in a name. This is similar to the example in our world. There is no meaning behind a name, title, or ties that is associated with a person. If this is the case, then we would not be able unite together and we would only quarrel among ourselves. We can always refer to someone, who is different than us, as a different name, in which would bring them closer. Many groups exist in the peace organization HWPL. However, we erased all the associations that we had previously, and we only come together and refer each other as peace advocates and a family in this global community. We all have the same beginning. It is only that we are not able to discover the similarities and come to an agreement. If we are not able to reach to peace, then just like Romeo and Juliet, it would be our next generation, who would be paying the price.

A glooming peace this morning with it brings;

The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head:

Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things;

Some shall be pardon'd, and some punished:

For never was a story of more woe

Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.

This would not be a scenario that we want. We already sacrificed and lost so many valuable things. We should not make the same mistakes as the two families did in the play and before additional damages are made, we should make peace. I think Shakespeare was considered a great playwright, not because of his tragic plays, but because of the insights that he offered inside the plays. He pointed out problems and seem to teach us a moral lesson through these plays. As he says "All the world's a stage. And all the men and women merely players," and  if we are in our Final Act, we must truly act to resolve peace between each other, so that mistakes in Romeo and Juliet would not be repeated again. And the last line of our play would end with "for never was a story of more joyful than this".

"What is a youth"

It is the law of nature that a rose would bloom and fade. Sadly, because of the mistakes of the adults, the youths were sacrificed, before receiving the chance to bloom. This is what the Chairman agonizes over. He was deeply affected, when he fought in the Korean War, as he saw many young men dying for a cause against other young men, who once they called each other countrymen. It is because of religion and politics that separate even the same race. In order to prevent this, HWPL created IPYG and IWPG, so that youths and women are able to raise their voices to religious and political leaders.

I love peace

To say "I love peace" is another way of saying "I love my neighbor". It is a phrase that encompasses all purpose of faith, belief, and ideology.

"If you consider yourself precious, know that others are precious as well and love the other like you love yourself."

-Chairman Man Hee Lee

We all consider ourselves precious and we consider our individual lives precious. Then, we must respect others considering their lives precious. This is the foundation towards building peace in ourselves and with others. 

"As the rain, light and air in the heavens is unchangeable, we must love ourselves. Just as the light, rain and air from the heavens gives us life. we must love one another and learn to give abundantly."

-Chairman Man Hee Lee

One of the ways that we can come together to express our love for one another and for peace is the HWPL peace walk. As the second anniversary of the peace walk is approaching, we must start to act and join each other in our walks toward peace. This peace walk does not only show the world our hope for peace, but also it is a walk that the peace advocates are taking towards peace.

Quote: Chairman Man Hee Lee

A deep man believes in miracles, waits for them, believes in magic, believes that the orator will decompose his adversary; believes that the evil eye can wither, that the heart's blessing can heal; that love can exalt talent; can overcome all odds.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Just because you are comfortable, does it mean you do not need a peace?  Our petty selfishness seems to make someone's misfortune to call for a war.  Wouldn't a small and little more attention and care enrich our lives.
-Chairman Man Hee Lee

Film: Children of Men

Film: Children of Men

The film, "Children of Men", directed by Alfonso Cuarón is based in future, when infertility was a global issue. The life expectancy of an infant was low and were scarce. In the beginning of the film, it was displayed that the youngest man alive was an international celebrity. In the midst of these catastrophe, United Kingdom managed to sustain their government through martial law and control of illegal immigrants. One of the scene at the climax of the film stood out powerfully to me, as I was watching the film.

(Theo, who is escorting Kee and the new-born baby outside the apartment)

Theo was given the mission to protect and escort Kee, the only woman, who was pregnant with a child, to a safe location, so that she may receive protection. In the climax of the film, the two attempts to escape the apartment, where Kee was previously captured, in the middle of a battle between the rioters, which include illegal immigrants and rebel group members, and the military. 

In the middle of ensuing battle as people and soldiers of both side encounter the two and notice the new-born baby, they suddenly stop. As the crying new-born baby held by Kee pass by them, the illegal immigrants taking refugee inside the apartment sing songs in their own language and reach out their hand, as a sign of respect. They share encouragement. The original soundtrack written by John Tavener added a sad, but peaceful mood in the ambiance. The rebel soldier with weapon, who in the beginning pointed his gun at Theo and Kee, slowly dropped his gun to touch the crying infant. The government solider shouts out "Cease Fire" suddenly as soon as sees the infant. The viewers see people of different ethnic background and religion, who welcome the new-born baby and rejoicing at her birth. At that moment, everyone was thinking the same thing: to guarantee the safety of the baby. Perhaps, god was truly watching over them. And I found it interesting that the name Theo origins from "theos" in Greek. 

No one asked them to stop, but they willingly stopped. Despite the ideological and religious differences, they all rejoiced and joined the happiness of a new soul born on this earth. In the short silence of peace that broke out in the midst of a terrible battle, all mankind felt the same compassion and the same joy. Then, could this be possible in our generation? Just as the people rejoiced at the birth of their next generation and allowed their first descendant to be escorted outside the perimeter, can we reach to an agreement for the sake of our next generation? Just as all religion and ethnic backgrounds stopped and rejoiced, I think it would be possible in the reality, if it was possible in our fantasy. Only thing we must do is to convert our fantasy into reality. Although the setting is different in the film than reality, the birth of a new soul into this earth must be joyful. I believe it is our responsibility to prevent the death of our future generation in this world. And then maybe, if we work together, it will inspire the divine creator to help and make this peace possible. I hope that the works of HWPL and IPYG will inspire and plant a passion into the hearts of the many people.

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

I do not agree with some of the trend and culture that resulted from internet and social network. But, at the same time, I am astonished on what it is capable of doing to change the world and bringing the global community closer to each other. One of the example is the story of the last year's Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Malala Yousafzai.

The actions that she took and the courage that she displayed through her blogs show that age does not matter. She fought for what is right despite the danger in her community. To build a better world, we need to sacrifice something. For peace, we need to have courage, in order to speak about peace even in the most hostile areas of the world. As she says, "one child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world", we reach out to one person, one religion, one scripture, and one pen to sign on the peace agreement for the international law that will bring an end to all wars. Everyone can become a peace advocate. The power of one is even stronger, when they are united together.

WARP Summit was the event that created an environment for these to become possible. With the work of Chairman Man Hee Lee and the volunteers of HWPL, and other affiliated organizations, we will be able to change the world. Eventually this movement would need to involve the participation of every member, who belong to this world. Since, this change would not be a change in one part of the world, but the world as a whole. The continuous and restless effort of the Chairman became the small spark of light, which was a foundation in this world that shined the darkness.

Quote: Chairman Man Hee Lee

"One who lives by wearing grace cannot kill and destroy lives and expect to repay the grace. Truly, religion has to become one. I hope we can be the world’s joy and a beautiful legacy for the future generations."

"All broadcast stations should become messengers of peace and broadcast the peace message often."

"The heart of a mother can make the impossible possible and can create something from nothing."

WARP Summit was an international gathering of all different people from the world. Previously, each represented different belief and value. Then, through the Summit, these variety of belief and value came together to become one under achieving and fulfilling world peace. Instead of compared 99 different things, we discovered that we shared one hope. And this is peace. WARP Summit redirected what different groups, such as religion, political leaders, women's group, youth group and media should do, in order to achieve peace as peace advocate.

Quote: Chairman Man Hee Lee

"One who lives by wearing grace cannot kill and destroy lives and expect to repay the grace. Truly, religion has to become one. I hope we can be the world’s joy and a beautiful legacy for the future generations."

"One shouldn't just proclaim peace and sit around, rather run with their feet for the peace movement. The world of peace will soon come."

There are various sayings in the world that we are judged and remembered based on our actions. No matter how much we think and speak of good thoughts, if we do not act, these thoughts are useless. We have seen peace movements in our history, but there has never been a movement that extended to international and various religions as HWPL. The actions of Chairman Man Hee Lee shows that he is an advocate of peace and truly wants peace to be fulfilled on this earth.

Difference between Peace and Quiet

Difference between Peace and Quiet
I recently saw the new Marvel's film, The Avengers: Age of Ultron. It is obviously a superhero film, in which a group of superheros encounter and overcome an antagonist, who is determined to destroy the world. However, something different about this film was that the antagonist was created by the protagonist by the fear of destruction. One of the characters creates Ultron in hopes to protect the world from outsiders, who previously attempted to destroy earth. However, we must understand that peace cannot be achieved by war. It is ironic that a war ends war. One of lines that stood out to me as I was interested in world peace was, "There is a difference between peace and quiet". So far we only experienced a quiet world, where there is minimal sound, in which only a part of the world is affected directly by war. Some people in the world are enjoying the absence of war by believing that peace is in their country. However, it does not mean that war is completely gone. It is only absent, because of their country's protection. If war is no longer needed, protection or military forces would be no longer needed.

Currently, the world is not enjoying peace, but they are enjoying the quiet moment, which someday, if there is no prevention, will spark into a disaster. The protagonists in the film hoped that the machines will protect the world and keep the world in harmony, but it is ourselves that need to change. Unlike Ultron, who believed that mankind must evolve physically, we must transform from the inwards. Our spirit and mentality must change in order to care for the welfare of all mankind, so that we may reach harmony.

Most people love action films. I enjoy action films. But, do we also enjoy peaceful films? Our desire in films seem to reflect the current trend of the world. However, on the other hand, all superheros films lead to a balance and harmony at the end by the sacrifice and the efforts of the superhero. Maybe this is why people are attracted to the superhero films. Not only the actions, but they love how the superheros overcome the difficulties to keep peace in the world. However, can we not achieve this peaceful world peacefully? Although the actions in the movies excites me, the motive and the vision of HWPL approaches me more soothingly.

The Spirit of a Peaceful World

"I am. We are. That is enough. Now we have to start."

What does this first introductory sentence of a significant philosophical work in the early 20th century? "The Spirit of Utopia" by Ernst Bloch is definitely an attempt to find an answer to nihilism, as Bloch was influenced greatly by Hegel and Schopenhauer. The first part of the book is about self-encounter. Does this not represent the first two words of the introductory sentence, "I am"? An utopia first requires, self-discovery and one has to understand his or her being. Then, this moves onto others. One is now included in a community called, "we". It moves on from an individual to community. And as individuals identify themselves as a community, this is enough to start. What does it mean to start? This is an initiative to build an utopia. What is the meaning of an utopia? Wouldn't that be a peaceful world? Through the book, Bloch is laying a foundation of what are necessary steps that need to taken towards a peaceful world. Every individual identify themselves affiliated with a specific group. I am a Christian or I am a Buddhist. I am a doctor or I am a lawyer. I am a democrat or I am a republican. Shouldn't this concept transcend to a new level, where we will be able to identify ourselves as one? We are...? How would you finish and complete the sentence?

I would like to say, "We are peace advocates. We are a global family". This statement is just enough for us to start building a new world. Although the intention of Bloch for this opening statement may be different, I would like to think that it is a statement of peace. As we compared the writings of different philosophers and figures, we can see that our approach towards peace is similar. There are many things in the world that we disagree on, but on how to achieve a peaceful world and what consists of a peaceful world, everyone had a similar idea. Then, if everyone had a similar idea, why was it not possible? Some may say, one has not found peace yet, or did not encounter oneself. However, it could be, because we were not able to identify, "we are". When did all the people came together as a global family wished for the common thing? This happened in the WARP Summit, when all different leaders from different nations came together under the idea of peace in South Korea. HWPL may have the answer to what is "we are". Wouldn't that be why that we are actually starting to build the world of peace? It is now time to think what is truly the spirit or the mentality of one who belongs to an utopia, or a world of peace.

We got to have peace

Curtis Mayfield was more than a song writer and an artist. His eyes were open to the current issues of the world and he used his musical talents to send his own message to the world. The song, "We got to have peace" is one example about Mayfield's philosophy of music. In the song he addresses the world that peace is inevitable, if we are to live in this world. 

The song includes various themes that are similar to what HWPL is doing. We are raising up our voice, so that our children and future generation are able to experience this beautiful planet that were given to us. And peace is necessary, in order to keep this earth alive. And Mayfield suggests that "what if one of the soldiers, who bravely fought for his country, is able to come back from the dead? What would he say?" We, who never participated in a war and experienced the horror of the battlefield, where we would see people die, except in action films that we take pleasure from, are not able to understand as much as the soldiers, who experienced this. What did they truly fight for? Was it a fight that would bring them any gain? It was for their country that they were able to make that priceless sacrifice. But, truly what does it bring? A war will lead to another war. 

The only thing we have to do is to raise up our voices as one global family. We have to use our voice to tell the world that if we do not resolve this conflict, there is no turning back. We need to first find the reason we want peace personally and start acting to create peace in our small community, which will then branch off to bigger community. As many philosophers said in their writing, peace begins with one person's vision and person by person will join this vision. This is how HWPL came to be. Like many of the movements in the human history, it started with Chairman Man Hee Lee's vision and hope after experiencing an actual war and battlefield. And after hearing his messages, people renewed their hope and wish for peace. At this time, we are raising our voices in different places and method on peace.

If Curtis Mayfield was able to see what is happening at this decade, I wonder what his response will be?

We Got to have Peace by Curtis Mayfield

We got have peace

To keep the world alive

And war to cease.

We got to have joy,

True in our hearts

With strength we can't destroy.

People please hear us (people please hear us)

Through our voice the world knows

There's no choice.

We're begging save the children

The little ones

Who just don't understand

Give them a chance

To breed their young

And help purify the land

People please hear us (people please hear us)

Through our voice the world knows

There's no choice.

And the people in the neighbourhood,

Who would if they only could,

Meet and shake the other's hand,

Work together for the good of the land.

Give us all an equal chance,

It could be such a sweet romance.

And the soldiers who are dead and gone,

If only we could bring back one,

He'd say "We've got to have peace"

To keep the world alive

And war to cease

We got to have joy

Ture in our hearts

With strength we can't destroy

People please hear us (people please hear us)

Through our voice the world knows

There's no choice

And the people in the neighbourhood

Who would if they only could

Meet and shake the other's hand

Work together for the good of the land

Peace, peace, peace

Aah - hah, we got to have peace

People please hear us (people please hear us)

Through our voice the world knows

There's no choice

Save the children

The Power of Peace, Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche

It is my wish that the spiritual power of peace will touch very person on this earth, radiating from a deep peace within our own minds, across political and religious barriers, across the barriers of ego and self-righteousness. Our first task as peacemakers is to clear away our internal conflicts caused by ignorance, anger, grasping, jealousy, and pride. With the guidance of a spiritual teacher, this purification of our own minds can teach us the very essence of peacemaking. We should seek an inner peace so pure, so stable, that we cannot be moved to anger by those who live and profit by war, or to self-grasping and fear by those who confront us with contempt and hatred.

Extraordinary patience is necessary to work toward world peace, and the source of that patience is inner peace. Such peace enables us to see clearly that war and suffering are outer reflections of the mind's poisons. The essential difference between peacemakers and those who wage war is that peacemakers have discipline and control over egotistical anger, grasping, jealousy, and pride, whereas warmakers, out of ignorance, cause these poisons to manifest in the world. If you truly understand this, you will never allow yourself to be defeated from within or without.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the peacock is a symbol for the bodhisattva, the awakened warrior who works for the enlightenment of all beings. A peacock is said to eat poisonous plants, but to transform the poison into the gorgeous colors of its feathers. It does not poison itself. In the same way, we who advocate world peace must not poison ourselves with anger. Regard with equanimity the powerful, worldly men who control the war machines. Do your best to convince them of the necessity of peace, but be constantly aware of your state of mind. If you become angry, pull back. If you are able to act without anger, perhaps you will penetrate the terrible delusion that perpetrates war and its hellish suffering.

From the clear space of your own inner peace, your compassion must expand to include all who are involved in war, both the soldiers—whose intention is to benefit but who instead cause suffering and death and thus are caught by the terrible karma of killing—and the civilians who are wounded, killed, or forced into exile as refugees. True compassion is aroused by suffering of every sort, by the suffering of every being; it is not tied to right or wrong, attachment or aversion. The work of peace is a spiritual path in itself, a means to develop the perfect qualities of mind and to test them against urgent necessity, extreme suffering, and death. Do not be afraid to give it your time, energy, and support.