Inspirations
The inspiration for the Peace Festival came from the late Vijayadev Yogendra, founder of the Total Health and Education Foundation. In his last years he wrote a short monograph on peace “Peace – A Way of Life” leading up to the Pathways to Peace Symposium and Cultural Program held at Griffith University in 2003. The success of the symposium led to the creation of the first festival held in Warwick in 2005. This was followed by a second very successful festival in 2007
Ripples – Vijayadev Yogendra
Founder of the Total Health and Education Foundation, Vijayadev Yogendra sent a message to the Symposium which stated simply:
Peace not only gives solace to the soul but can also provide solace to the whole world. Peace is not to be trifled with or played with, bartered or exchanged. Peace has to be lived as peace is meant to be lived, in a peaceful way. One peaceful soul can create its own ripples, more peaceful souls can create waves and many more peaceful souls can change the world with a surge of goodness.
The idea of “ripples” symbolizing the way in which even small local actions can become significant through their impact on others has been incorporated in the logo for the Festival. It expresses the hope that peace will spread from individuals, to the community, to the world.
Active Steps – The Dalai Lama
This idea is amplified in the message from the Dalai Lama to the Symposium, which said in part:
Achieving real peace and employing a non-violent approach to conflict requires us to take active steps. As individuals what is particularly important is that we develop a kind heart, a sense of love, compassion and respect for others. I believe it is important that issues like working for peace in the world do not merely remain the business of politicians and diplomats, we should all be involved.
Think Globally, Act Locally
At the Pathways to Peace Symposium, workshop presenter Linda Beilharz from St Luke’s, Bendigo described her experience in the “Shared Action” project in rural Victoria. This demonstrated that a community-wide project is not only feasible but offers possibilities for community-building and real change. The themes chosen for each Festival have expressed the idea that world peace is the responsibility of all of us.
Creating a Culture of Peace – UNESCO
The first decade of the new millennium has been designated by the United Nations as the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World. The Festival seeks to foster a culture of peace in our schools, in our families and in our organizations. Peace is developed through an active educational process built on shared values. The 10-day biennial Festival gives a focus to ongoing peace-building work being done throughout the community by different individuals and groups.
