Peace Voice 2009

8/1-2/09
A new start – again:
I attended Peace Voice 2009 held at Portland State University and enjoyed presentations especially on Gandhi by Michael Sonnleitner and Journalism for Transformtion by Rob Gould. Sonnleitner emphasized Gandhi's Triad of I. Truth - God, II. Ahimsa -nonviolence – Love – do no harm – not even wish any harm to one's brethren [There are no enemies] (Holy Spirit), and III. Tapas - Suffering (the Son). He briefly alluded to the Christian Trinity and I strongly feel that harmony. Gould emphasized the journalist showing respect for all sides and giving their strengths rather that sattacking their weaknesses. The journalist should be opening new worlds, providing new insights, bringing the possibility for new solutions, rather than inflaming old passions and stereotypes. I will try this a I write about the School of the Americas. A little research before we go to the Ft. Benning demonstration would be good preparation. Another talk about the Daodejing by Thomas Pynn showed wu-a(spelling?), a form of chi – energy that is the absence of violence, respecting or treating each thing in its own context. I saw an immediate connection and similarity to ahimsa.
May I learn to treat all others with loving concern as I work to make things better for all.