Vigil Results

Some groups and individuals who have conducted IDP Vigils have written us to tell of the effects of their spiritual observations. These results of IDP Vigils are listed below.

Please visit our Commitment Center for a complete list of descriptions of proposed Vigils. See also use Google search for “International Day of Peace Vigil” to view numerous other IDP Vigil activities around the world.

THOUSANDS LINK EAST-WEST IN PEACE
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE FOCUS OF SPIRITUAL, CULTURAL CELEBRATION

[Coimbatore, India, September 19, 2004] Approximately 100,000 people from all walks of life, some having traveled around the world, gathered in the south Indian foothills near Coimbatore to celebrate peace through expressions of joy, dance and song. A dazzling array of performances and cultural exhibits summarized Isha Fest, an annual event honoring the United Nations International Day of Peace.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev (seated, center) guided thousands in meditation on peaceful possibilities

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of Isha Foundation and guest of honor at Isha Fest, addressed the audience about the essential role each person plays in affecting world peace, noting that if peace has to happen, an inner flowering has to happen. He emphasized, “One thing we need to understand is, the world is not a globe, the world is people as we experience it now. If we do not work for individual transformation, talking about world peace may be just one more entertainment in the world.” Adding, “By changing social situations, we can only create a conducive atmosphere for individual well-being, but you cannot bring about individual well-being. Only if each individual begins to experience himself as a human being, if he allows his humanity to flower within himself, which is the only way the divine can descend into him, only then there will be peaceful individuals, peaceful human beings. If there are no peaceful human beings, there is no peaceful world.”

. This is how we can achieve successfully in each country a ministry of non-violent defense. We will be able to motivate the future generations to join a shanti sena instead of a war sena.”

Isha Fest is a celebration of human potential, and a message to the world that inner change is not elusive or restricted to any religion, culture, or dogma. To demonstrate this, a fusion of east-west was expressed in a Peace Concert as Manish Vyas captivated the crowd with an eclectic mix of world music of western influence, and Vani Jairam represented the revered tradition of South Indian classical music. In the spirit of bridging cultures, themes of North America were reflected not only in performances and cultural programs offered on stage, but also in games, activities and even food stalls throughout the festival.

For this special day, participants from diverse social and economic backgrounds formed a microcosm of humanity existing in peace, seeing beyond their outer forms and differences to the inter-connectedness of life.

Isha Foundation is a supporting partner of The International Day of Peace Vigil, devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples. To Isha Fest participants and all of mankind around the world, Sadhguru appealed, “So on this day, which the world is to celebrate as the Day of Peace; on this day in Isha, which is a celebration, I want to plead and beg all of you that the best thing that needs to happen in the world, that everybody needs to keep focus on is that the world or the humanity or individual human beings should know at least a little bit of peace within themselves; and whichever means they get there, that's not the point. Somehow individual human beings need to become peaceful. Only then there is a possibility for a peaceful society on this planet.”

Many thousands of the people attending Isha Fest say they have noted changes in themselves, but wonder how long it will take to affect positive changes in the world. Is such a thing possible? In response Sadhguru urges, “Do not think of the future of the world on the basis of existing realities. Existing realities on the planet could be changed in a moment, because existing realities do not take into consideration people's will, do not take into consideration people's commitment, do not take into consideration the love in their hearts. If we dedicate ourselves to making this happen around us, we can see in our own lifetime something tremendous and dramatic happening on the planet.”

Editor's Note : Isha Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to inner transformation as the basis for a peaceful and prosperous global community. Isha Founder, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, is an international speaker, author and peace advocate whose work transcends religious boundaries. He is a delegate to the Millennium World Peace Summit at the United Nations and joins peace efforts throughout the world. Sadhguru is considered an enlightened yoga master who has profound spiritual and cultural insights on health and human values. Readers who are interested in information on his yoga and humanitarian programs may visit www.ishafoundation.org . Sadhguru's books on the essential nature of yoga are available at bookstores through New Leaf Distributing or Amazon.com.

MASS MEDITATION IN COLOMBO FOR PEACE DAY

[Colombo, Srilanka, September 21, 2004] Hundreds of Buddhist monks and other religious leaders participated in a peace meditation to mark Universal Peace Day on the Bandarnaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) grounds in Colombo Tuesday. The meditation was organized by Sarvodaya and other civil society groups.

Thousands of men, women and children clad in white took part in the meditation, called "Ahimsa Samadhi."

The crowds stayed through the heavy rain during the meditation.

Leaders of all political parties including Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe, United National Front Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya, NUA leader Ferial Ashraff and United People Freedom of Alliance Deputy Defence Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayke also attended.

Please go to: http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=12945

[USA, Maryland, Annapolis, September 21, 2004]

1) At Annapolis Friends meeting a small circle of ten Friends sat in silent worship for 3 hours in the evening, and meditated on peace.. peace in their hearts, their homes, their communities, and in the world. It was powerful and inspirational. There were a few visitors from the Annapolis community as well.

2) Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, Maryland, USA: Full Circle, the earth centered spirituality program of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis sponsored an observation of the International Day of Peace on Sunday, September 19, 2004. Approximately 30 men, women and children gathered for drumming, singing and a rededication of the church's Peace Pole, which was originally planted during the 2003 IDP observation. This year, the pole was moved to a more visible location on the church grounds and a 5th language plaque (Hebrew) was added.

Submitted by Susan Eckert

[England, Leeds, September 21, 2004]

I have several things to report.  One is that I did a 36 hour fast (from the evening before until the morning after) and it was uplifting to be able to mention to people where I work about the vigil and be doing something special.  I sent out an email about the day to all my colleagues suggesting that they have a minute for peace at noon, and got one email back saying he got 50 emails that day but that mine was the only important one.  I had several people tell me they took a minute for peace.

I also found a new friend halfway around the world who had read through the IDPV site and thought she could not sign up, because she was not part of a group, but saw my individual pledge and realised she could.  She wrote to me, needing a new friend, and I responded.  It has brought both of us much joy to gain a new friend each.

Peace work in my city (Leeds, England) is really moving forward as many people and institutions come together (we call it Peacelink and the meetings are held in the council offices).  There is so much more I could tell you about!

Finally, a minister in NYC, asked for people to fast on the day and that is why I did a full day -- but when I got home I found out my housemate was also fasting.  It was lovely to find that out and it kept me going the rest of the evening.

May peace prevail on earth.

Love and Peace,

Linda

[USA, Missouri, Saint Louis, September 21, 2004]

Over 70 people attended: We gathered in early evening outside around the peace pole, listening to the leaves, breeze and flute playing.  There was a quiet procession into the chapel, where we listened to 3 excellent readings about peace, participated in universal dances of peace together, singing and moving as One.  After an hour of music, song, silence, prayers, we enjoyed cookies and punch.  It is already scheduled for again next year!

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Missouri

[Portugal, Lisbon, September 21, 2004]

The IDP Vigil went well, although we were just a handful.  We had attendees at all the specified times, i.e.

24H00 - 01H00 Divine Service

12H00 - 13H00 Divine Service

19H45 - 21H00 Power Circle

24H00 - 01H00 Divine Service

Those who could not make it to the Lisbon Group, prayed/observed from home.

We have no idea how many people observed as the Pamphlet with the detailed information of the IDP Vigil was distributed in various places. 

Overall it was successful.

 Blessings,

Isabel Fernandes
Organiser of The Lisbon Group of The Aetherius Society

RELIGIOUS YOUTH SERVICE NIGERIA INITIATES GUILD OF PEACE AWARD AND MOBILIZED NGOs IN NIGERIA TO MARK THE BEGINING AND END OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2004 UN-INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION IN NIGERIA.

THE REPORT

Day 1 induction into Guild Of Peace an initiation of the national coordinator of the RYS in Nigeria:

The institutions who scaled through RYS assessment in peace disposition since last year includes, (1) Evangelical Church of West Africa Model Nursery and Primary School (2) Overwhelming Glory Church.

(3) Rivers State Television (RSTV).

Many institutions like the Nigeria Police sent in 7 Senior Police Officers. The Spokes woman of the Police group Chief Superintendent of Police-CSP (Mrs.) Timi Peterside, told the awardees and listening audience that NPF shall continue to partner with RYS because their (RYS) success in its Ideals & Practices on peace Project will nearly help in reducing the cumbersomeness of their work of settlement of conflicts.

The clergy was represented by Deacon Ben Ogbuigwe who was the chairman of the occasion and who during his vote of thanks, urged the West Africa Director Amb. Kerim to advice the International Headquarter of RYS to increase their budget for Nigeria to help the RYS team in Nigeria make more in-route into the hearts of the youth considering their relevance and size of this country. The heads of other NGOS; Total Family for Peace in Nigeria and Africa (Rev Alex Asikhia), and Peace on Earth Advocacy (PEAD), Mr. Greg Anyanwu, Health Education, Environmental Crusaders (HEEC), National Relief Friendship Foundation were present and expressed support to work with RYS & UN-IDPV Project on their projects and programs especially the soonest coming peace rally on the major streets of the State which is the “treasure base” of Nigeria on 21 st September, 2004.

The Rally, which has already appeared on the page of a Newspaper in Nigeria, called the “Beacon Newspaper”, has attracted a tremendous attention of the media, the Police (which have given a permit for the march and signifying government support for the March of Peace), the Clergy, Students, Market women and men, drivers, are making a land mark in the history of the whole nation as the first time a march is being organized for Peace. No other Person or group has ever done it in the more then 43 years of our National history. This is most auspicious due to the timing: because some two weeks ago, there has been incessant shooting and killing of hundreds of persons by rival militia groups in this particular part of the country. The Spirit of genuine efforts which the NGOs stimulated by the RYS call for NGO coalition to conscience reformation of the youth calmed the situation a bit within the week of the United Nations International Day of Peace (whose event for this year, started on 19 th and calumniated on the 21 st Sept. 2004, the P-Day.

On the 20 th Sept. 2004 A Peace Education Workshop was organized by RYS for youths wherein eminent authorities from the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Legion, Islam and Christianity, delivered speeches on several strategies towards the achievement of Peace in the Country by the youth. The international guest Speaker. Ambassador Tseney Kerim who represented the international Director of RYS and founder of RYS Rev. John W. Gehring & Rev. Sun Myung Moon respectively, proved his distinguished worth as he gave a pleasantly resounding lecture on inter-religious harmony. This attracted an ovation from participants at the workshop whose written reflections on their view of the programs has become an archival evidence for references and consultations. Other speakers include Rev. Sam Nwakafor former state Director of Family Federation World Peace and Unification and Mr. Sydney Osai, the assistant co-ordinator (Eastern Nigeria of the UN-IDPV, Nigeria.

The commandant of the Nigeria Legion Chief (Colonel) Diggs F. Akobo, presented a paper while the Nigeria police presented a paper through Chief Superintendent of Police (Mrs.) Peterside Timi. There was also an invocation of Peace by the coordinator of the Rivers Indigenous Muslim Women Forum (RIMWOF). Then came the final day (21 st September, 2004) which I describe as “P—Day”. I felt honored by the kind of support and attention given to our program by the Nigeria Police who stationed a vehicle- load of senior Police Officers to guard us along the route of our march, the media; in fact the 1 st three topmost television stations east of the Niger heeded quickly for media coverage and support for Peace. The rally, which was billed to kick off by 08:00 hrs Nigerian time, finally commenced 1hour later and as early as this time, Rivers State television have arrived( this is the TV station that gave us the 1 hour slot for the program-the globe in 60 minutes during activities of the last year UN-IDPV. Ref to the response mail to me dated 22 September, 2003 with subject; Sorry for the Lost Opportunity), Africa Independent Television (AIT), and Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) through Mrs. Charity Eke-ejelam; Head of News who have participated in one of the RYS programs on Integrated Strategy for the Prevention of the Spread of HIV/AIDS in 2002. The TV crewmen and some members of the Press stayed with us till the end of the rally. Worthy of mention is the action by Ray power Radio Station whose one of its youngest journalists journalist not only reported but marched the whole stretch intermittently on feet with us. Fortunately I will be inviting her to participate in the forthcoming RYS December Project.

The more than 120 persons who marched amidst placards with Peace inscriptions, peace messages, handbills, and mega phones-carrying car, motorcade, marched with songs and drum beats by the Police Children College band team. RYS members in Imo State and other states were mobilized and they all came. The general public gave a standing ovation to director Tseney Kerim after he spoke at a popular market place called “Fly over” market and another ovation at the State Secretariat (which is the Seat of the Civil Service in the state). Amb. was later interviewed by Journalists. The interview was broadcast on the RSTV Station. Even when he (Kerim) addressed the now enlarged crowd, it was like a rare gem of eloquence. Just then I remembered the enduring words to define Peace from Oscar Aries Sanchez, Costa Rican President and winner of the Nobel Peace Price in 1987; “...peace is not a matter of prices or trophies...it has no finishing line...Peace is a never- ending process, but the work of many decisions by many people in many countries...” for peace. RYS reputation among the coalation that I mobilized soared high. As a show of relevance of our Service organization, RSTV decided that they will shelve off the appointment they had with Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in order to have RYS post peace rally interaction and receipt of their Guild Of Peace induction award on 25 th September, 2004 at their premises. This has been successfully done on the said date. Religious youth Service UN-IDPV project are marking in – routes in Nigeria. Thanks be to be God the author of Peace. We are expecting that a day will come when the Inter-religious Peace Council will be adopted by the U.N.G.A. to direct the steps of the S.C.

Compiled in Peace by Norris Nwansi: the coordinator of the UN-IDPV and the national representative of RYS in Nigeria.