Peace of Mind Peace Pole
What is a Peace Pole?
| The Peace Pole at Peace of Mind |
A Peace Pole is a hand-crafted monument that displays the message and prayer "May Peace Prevail on Earth" on each of its four or six sides, usually in different languages. Peace Poles are dedicated as monuments to peace. They serve as constant reminders for us to visualize and pray for world peace.
Usually a Peace Pole is eight feet tall (2m 50cm) with the bottom "planted" in the ground, and is constructed from any material that is environmentally sound. In the United States, most Peace Poles are made from western red cedar, a wood that is a renewable resource. The pole has eight sides, and the inscription "May Peace Prevail on Earth" may appear in up to 16 languages, two per each side of the pole.
Peace Poles Around the World
Peace begins in the heart and mind of each individual. As war begins with the thoughts of war, peace begins with the thoughts of peace. The Peace Pole reminds us to keep peace ever present in our thoughts. As we learn to honor one another, our environment, plants, animals and all creation on earth, the vision of global peace will gradually become a natural way of life, a true Culture of Peace.
| The Peace Pole was dedicated on July 4, 2004, Rutland Vermont, at Peace of Mind. |
To date more than 200,000 Peace Poles have been dedicated in 180 countries around the world. Peace Poles can be found in town squares, schools, places of worship, parks and gardens ~ any place the spirit of peace is embraced by people of good will.
Some of the extraordinary locations include the Pyramids of El Giza in Egypt, the Magnetic North Pole in Canada, Gorky Park in Russia, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. They are promoting healing of conflict in places like Sarajevo, the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, and the Allenby Bridge between Israel and Jordan.
Both political leaders, such as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and religious leaders, such as Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama, have dedicated Peace Poles.
Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony
Peace of Mind Emporium's Peace Pole was Dedicated July 4, 2004 and was Sponsored by the Meditation Group, Zen Affiliate of Vermont* Meditation participants and Peace of Mind Customers donated the funds needed to purchase and plant the Peace Pole.
| Languages were purchased and chosen by Peace of Mind customers for our Peace Pole. The languages chosen and their approximate location on the pole are shown here. |
Our Dedication ceremony took place on the tenth birthday of of Peace of Mind Emporium and was open to the public. The regionally known group, Drum Journeys of the Earth, played and drummed before and during the ceremony. Our Zen Meditation Instructor, Ric Dunworth, led the dedication and blessing of the Peace Pole. Songs, poems and dedications were read by various staff and customers.
The Peace Pole is located in a lovely setting between two apple trees and outside the windows of our solarium classroom and is handicapped accessible.
We invite you to see our Peace Pole when you visit us. Feel free to touch the pole and feel the letters of each language. Bless the pole with flowers, smudging, incense, chimes, or singing. Say a prayer for world or community peace. Bring a special stone to Peace of Mind and we will plant it around the base of our pole. We welcome stones from all countries, communities, and states. Stones may be dedicated and placed with special intentions and remembrances.
Each person who visits a Peace Pole will help raise the world conscientiousness and energy focusing on peace for our planet.
More Information on Peace Poles
For more information on the Peace Pole and its origins, visit www.worldpeacesociety.org and www.peacepolemakers.com