Who or what inspires you, as an embodiment of peace?

[wildflower]

This week I'm reflecting on this question. I've been hoping to write something on Peace Pilgrim for DU, or at least post a brief comment about her life and work.

Is there a person (well-known or otherwise), group, deity, or something else in particular that inspires you to act in and toward peace?

A few that come to mind for me are Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Peace Pilgrim.

-wildflower

[elshiva]

1. Thanks.

God/ess as embodied in Jesus, Krishna, Shiva, Tara
Groups: Pax Christi, Catholic Workers

People: Dennis Kucinich, The Head of the Religious Studies Dept at Notre Dame of Maryland who wants to start a peace minor, Joan Baez, Dorothy Day

[wildflower]

4. Re: Joan Baez

There are some incredibly inspiring musicians out there. I would love to see them get more of an outlet than they do now in today's media. AAR has the Steve Earle show on Sundays; but I'd love to see mainstream radio stations carry these artists.

-wildflower

[elshiva]

6. I like Joan Baez's activism more than her singing.

She's sings ok, IMHO, but she is a great person.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Dances of Universal Peace

which is moving meditation honoring the world's spiritual traditons. Also zikar, which means "remembrance", which is a ceremony of chanting sacred phrases.

One can, God willing, achieve the Peace that passeth all understanding using these two practices.

People that embody peace? Mother Krishnabai of Ananda Ashram was one. Martha, a healer, is another. Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan and his son, Pir Zia Inayat Khan, are two more. But all these people go beyond peace....

[LWolf]

3. Gandhi.

For politicians, Dennis Kucinich.

I'm not sure about others. I've never really looked to others to provide that inspiriation for me. The longing for peace comes from within, and without; from the source that I AM. I feel better when I'm reaching within and without for that source. I understand and breathe peace. I am peace.

When I allow human society to intrude, I can get cut off, and struggle with "being" peace. That happens less and less, the more time I spend "reaching."

[wildflower]

5. I agree on reaching within, especially in this way:

When I can look within to a place where I can understand another's (opposing) point of view, I can respond from a place of understanding and love while still holding my own beliefs. I believe that is the way Peace Pilgrim's way of peace (see my sig) can work.

-wildflower

[LWolf]

7. I know this is true.

It has worked within me many times.

To see every single conflict as an opportunity to respond from a place of understanding and love is an awe-inspiring task. I'll check your sig when they're turned back on; I'm not familiar with the Peace Pilgrim.

:hi:

[kwassa]

8. Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Thich Nhat Hanh, Mikhail Gorbachev

Anyone who has acted for the greater good on both a political and spiritual level.

[elshiva]

9. Shirley Anita Chisholm, especially during her

presidential run.

[wildflower]

10. I finally got it posted (my post on Peace Pilgrim), here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3293154

-wildflower