Come to the Table of Compassion: Come to the Table of Compassion: Gandhi and the New Native American Peacekeeper Teachings

In this lecture and workshop series, we will come to the table of compassion together to explore what Gandhi and the Native American peacekeepers of the 20th and 21st centuries tell us about how to be nonviolent and foster peace in ourselves and the world.

Did you know that many Native American leaders, medicine men, and spiritual teachers since the late 19th century have been spreading a message of peace, healing, and love for almost a century? Did you know that they have been doing this despite the genocide and ongoing oppression of their peoples? Did you know that they offer meditation practices and simple rituals for forging peace and community?

Come to a free evening lecture introducing the Native American peacekeepers who have for almost a century held up a beacon of hope for a whole and healed future for humanity: the Sioux holy man, Black Elk, Chief Joseph–”I will fight no more forever”–Sun Bear, shaman and visionary for universal peace among the races, and the Ven. Dhyani Ywahoo, founder of the Sunray Meditation Society, among others. Experience the Big Love of forgiveness and freedom that M. K. Gandhi called “soul force.”

Many of us in the West have heard of and admire the work of Gandhi who was instrumental in the British eventually withdrawing their coloinial rule over India. However, few of us know about the teachings and work of many Native American spiritual teachers and leaders who speak about nonviolence and peace.

If Gandhi had had an opportunity to meet these men and women, he would have been impressed with their courage, moral stature, and wisdom. Together we will dramatize through meditation and rituals the Love Force evoked by these wise teachers:

“The greatest and most unimpeachable evidence of Truth or Love is to be found in the fact that, in spite of the wars of the world, it still lives on.” –M.K. Gandhi

“We can all trace our roots to the Great Tree of Peace. Many roots, many nations, many religions, all on one Earth. And the root of that sacred Tree of Life and the spiral of DNA are symbols to remind us of continuity. “ –Ven. Dhyani Ywahoo

If you are a peace activist or working on issues of social justice; if you are a professional working in settings dealing with human and animal conflict, suffering and trauma, or if you are simply a human being struggling with conflict and wanting to live in greater harmony, join us at the table and learn how to walk the talk of peace.

We will engage in beautiful rituals of fire, water, earth, and air and will dance, sing and create beauty to release old beliefs in the inevitability of violence in the world and to create a new vision for peace.

FREE LECTURE DATE: Tuesday, February 1, 7-10 p.m.

LOCATION: Body*Mind*Spirit, Preston Plaza, Charlottesville, VA

COST: Donation