Shambhala Centre as Zone of Peace during US Presidential Election

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Interesting Idea

 

 

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" Shambhala News Service " <sns

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:34:19 -0400

" Shambhala News Service " <sns

Shambhala Centre as " Zone of Peace " during US Presidential

Election

 

Shambhala News Service

 

20 Oct 2008 - Shambhala Centre as " Zone of Peace " during US Presidential

Election

 

For 36 hours at the height of the US presidential election, the

Shambhala Centre in Washington DC will offer itself as an " open neutral

space " for anyone wishing to rest their mind in an atmosphere of

unbiased meditation and contemplative silence.

 

 

 

" We would like to offer a zone of peace in the midst of the intense

polarization, " says Centre Director Chris Montone. " We will offer this

to everyone, regardless of affiliation, background or beliefs. Our

centre will be an open, dignified environment of compassionate silence

where people can come at any time to rest their minds. We will offer

meditation instruction to anyone who wishes it. "

 

 

 

The centre will remain continuously open from noon on election day,

Tuesday 4 November, through to midnight on Wednesday 5 November.

Volunteer Meditation Instructors will be on hand throughout and light

refreshments will be served.

 

 

 

The 36 hours in Washington will be led by the President of Shambhala,

who will fly to the US capital for this event.

 

 

 

In a message to Shambhala members in the Washington DC area, Chris

Montone wrote: " Offering our center as a 'zone of peace' does not mean

that Shambhala is taking a position on the elections, the candidates or

their campaigns. Nor does it mean that Shambhala is suggesting that

people should meditate instead of vote! We are all encouraged to

participate in the electoral process as fully as we wish. At the same

time, it is important to offer a contemplative, non-partisan environment

where people can be refreshed and reconnect with basic goodness and our

common humanity. "

 

 

 

The initiative has received the blessing and whole-hearted support of

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. He has made it clear that other centres who

wish to make a similar offering would certainly have his blessing.

 

 

 

Centre directors were informed of this initiative last week through a

message to the Mandala Council on which all centres have a seat.

Expressions of local interest should be directed to the directors of

local centres.