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Thursday, September 18, 2008
An Elder's Prayer for Peace
An Elder’s Prayer for Peaceposted by Healthy & Green Living Editors Sep 17,
2008 1:00 pm By Grandfather William Commanda Inherent in the prayer of the Indigenous Nations
of Turtle Island is the deep knowledge that we are all connected –my people in the east say GINAWAYDAGANUC. The prayer
is a celebration of the profound knowledge that we are connected with the each other, as well as with the chief elements–Mother
Earth, Water, Air and Fire–the animate and inanimate, the plants and animals and the larger universe, connected energetically. Spirit
embraces and unifies us all. Inherent in the prayer is a deep respect for both Mother Earth, the penultimate provider
and nurturer, and all her children. The prayer is a constant reminder to honor this connectedness, and walk gently in the
places of our differences, for those are the places of co-creation. But across the globe, our relationship with Mother
Earth and each other has been disrupted, and storms and blood despoil our world. When the new peoples arrived in this continent,
they were too often motivated by greed, the realities of the day were war and genocide, and the ramifications were environmental
exploitation and destruction; my ancestors were nearly all destroyed. Today, three documentaries of the present day–”Corporation,”
“Fahrenheit 911″ and “An Inconvenient Truth”–show that we are embroiled in the same struggles
at a global level. We are now all feeling the impact of the environmental crisis that has resulted from the reckless
exploitation of land, water and air, in escalating climate change; lands and peoples across the world are embroiled in desperate
wars; and health is a primary concern across the world, no matter how privileged we might seem to be, for life itself is under
attack. Today, the Law of Nature is revealing herself as the great equalizer on all planes, with ominous implications
for us all and for future generations. But still too often, we see the issues as separate. We need to realize how deeply interconnected
they are in order to develop a new blueprint for our collective future. These charts illustrate this point. Our ancestors
always knew that all things were connected, and our ancient prophecies told them that one day, all the world would one day
come to us to learn this. I have been the Carrier of the ancient sacred Seven Fires Prophecy Wampum Belt for almost 40 years.
This prophecy, known to many peoples across the world, told of the important choices we would have to make at the time of
the Seventh Fire, choices regarding our relationship with Mother Earth and each other, and that time is upon us. We have to
choose wisely to ensure a meaningful heritage for all humanity and life forms. A global shift in our value base is essential.
We need to move from greed and corporate domination to generosity and sharing; from fear and war to racial harmony and peace
building; and from relentless environmental exploitation to the three indigenous Rs–respect, responsibility and reverence
for Mother Earth. We need to inspire people across the world to embrace these values urgently. This is the great challenge
of our times–this is what the Seven Fires Prophecy warned about. It is the task for which we have to strengthen ourselves
collectively. The transformation comes from within first; then, recognizing that we are all connected, we reach out to transform
our brothers and sisters and leaders. We strive to humanize institutions. I hold a vision for an Indigenous Centre where we
can all come together to animate this future. (www.asinabka.com) When we come together with one heart, one love, one mind and one determination, and breath our prayers and energy into
the International Day of Peace, we will be creating the pathway to a Circle of All Nations, a Culture of Peace. I attach
my prayer for peace upon the commencement of the International Decade for a Culture of Peace for your consideration. I continue
to pray for its realization. –Megwetch Grandfather William Commanda, a 94-year-old
Algonquin Elder, is the carrier of the Sacred Seven Fires Prophecy Wampum Belt and founder of A Circle of All Nations. This Sept. 21, please take a moment at noon to join with millions around the planet and, in your tradition, spend a few moments in praying or meditating for peace for
this magical world, all the generations to come and all our relations. May peace prevail on Earth.
Saturday, August 5, 2006
Blessed be the peacemakers
This says it from the mothers.
Betsy Stang
I wanted to share this
with you, from my dear lightworker friend Hagit and PAN member in Israel.
She expresses so deeply what many of us feel. She looks after the children everywhere. (Hagit also wrote a chapter for
my book, Spiritual Awakenings, glimpses into the higher realms.)
love and light, Maggie
There is so much to say that media is
not expressing. I know it is very challenging not to take side in this crazy aggression, not to judge who is right who is
wrong! Will you join me while practicing it? And if only because we get what we reflect!
Massive destruction in Lebanon
cannot diminish the pain of the destruction in Israel,
children getting killed in both sides – is forbidden to be the answer! It is not the solution! Wars are not the way out as
history taught us already - no one ever won a war, not even when it is justified, if any violence can ever be justified… When
will they ever learn?
And again sirens tear the air, frightening
loud noises of aircrafts carrying bombs, horrifying bombing blasts and weaseling rockets falling all over almost with no distinguish,
spreading bereavement and devastation, seeding fear and anger, increasing revenge and ignorance… When will they ever learn?
People cry for help; Lebanese, Palestinians
and Israelis mourning, wounded, refugees, left with nothing… Children – same children I believed will not have to suffer again
trauma of war, this generation I was praying for them to be saved of older generations’ experience of useless hostility. When
will they ever learn?
WHEN WILL THEY WAKE UP?
Nevertheless in such times, when emotion
intimidate to fog any clarity, especially in such times I spend more and more time with the children are sitting nonstop for
the forth week in smothery shelters. I never know if I help them or they help me, must be both! That is my share; that is
my self-healing. So little in such huge ocean of pain! If I could only go also visit the children in Gaza Strip and those
in Lebanon… children are children are
children! Any drop of hope can be offered – might change and if only little bit. That is what I have to offer – hope and trust
in the goodness (GODness) within humanity.
Meanwhile I can spend time only with
Israeli children in the north part of Israel,
Jews, Muslims, Druze, Christians… “Almighty” is not discriminating, all share this insanity scenario. They are the light!
I wish you could join me during the time when I tell the kids the story about Sadako Sasaki, the Japanese girl was born in
Hiroshima during 2nd WW. The poisoning effect of the atomic
deadly bomb thrown on her home-town, appeared only twelve years later when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Shortly before
subdued by the terminal (that time) illness, she committed herself to fold 1000 paper cranes, which according to an ancient
Japanese tradition – doing so one can make a wish and it will come true. When I share this story with the children of over
than 60 years later, I tell them that Sadako wish was referring also for them as she asked very clearly for ALL the children
of the world, ALL OF THEM, never to be part of the adults’ conflicts, always to be left out! Than when I tell them that she
was too sick to complete but they can help bring her wish come real by folding 1000 paper cranes, you should see the sparkle
in the eyes – yes! Enthusiastically instantly they cry: We are committed to fold 1000 paper cranes! We are ready to make it
happens! For ALL the children of the world!”. Those little fingers folding small colored papers to the shape of Crane, than
closing eyes, praying silently together for Pace on earth, blowing the spirit of the prayer into the paper bird, wishing it
to spread the message all over mother earth, for all her children! Also when the youngsters are not yet capable to deal with
the folding but not giving up on becoming part of the action, they paint colorfully, what they call ‘peace drawings’. Or the
older one writing Praying Mandalas! What a sight!
And before closing, (I know, again it
is too long… please forgive me and I thank you for your infinite patient…) in the midst of all events I discover new friends
include a group of people in little town called Rosh Pina are wiling to have the International Day in Peace ceremony on September
21st include planting Peace Pole as well as having the World Peace Ceremony with all the nations’ flags! Couldn’t ask for
more! Oh no! I could ask for so much more… how about simply envision peace
on earth!
I am so privileged to be here accomplishing
this mission, knowing I am protected by the unconditional love of God and by your prayers! In humble modesty I thank you!
In Oneness and infinite loving gratitude
- Hagit
JewChriSlam
Oh Lord, Make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is Hatred, let me bring Love; Where there is Injury
- Pardon;
Where there is Doubt - Faith; Where there is Despair - Hope;
Where there is Darkness - Light;
And where there is Sadness - Joy.
http://www.bridgesofpeace.org
http://www.jerusalempeacemakers.org/hagit/index.html
Ms. Hagit Ra’anan
POB 39, Kiryat Ono, Israel 55100
Tel/Fax 972-3-5353496; Mobile
972-52-2533240
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Thoughts on war in mid -east
Most human beings want a peaceful life. Why then are we at the effect of a relative handful of madmen on
every side who want to kill in the name of God?
This is the time for each of us to be the peacemakers we said we are be joining URI to end violence in the
name of religion.
Please know that every action we each take towards peace is meaningful and we have no choice.
We will meet in that field beyond right and wrong as sisters and brothers who say to all the warmongers
NOT IN MY NAME!
I am so grateful to have a family of all religions and many countries who stretch my sight and heart. I
am so thankful for each of you for showing me there is no they it is always us. Together we will make a difference because
we must.
Thank you, each one of you for your dedication and your heart. We may be small candles but perhaps together
we will light the darkness.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
The meaning of Namaste
I love the word Namaste'..humbled that 3 vowels and
4 consonants can contain such deep and expansive all-inclusive Truth and beauty.
Namaste' embraces the absolute Essence of from whence we came
and why we are ALL here on the planet...to BE Unconditional Love.
How simple and uncomplicated...we just have to DO it. It's
the only
question that will matter. the only question we will be asked when
we transition, melding completely and
forever into Universal Love.
Beverly Britton
Thursday, June 9, 2005
A request from Grandfather Commanda
Dear Friends,
I am passing along an invitation to the June 21 Pipe Ceremony from Grandfather WIlliam Commanda
and I am requesting your immediate assistance in contacting the Canadian Prime Minister, Paul Martin to express your
support of Grandfather's vision for the Indigenous Center at Victoria Island. We are hoping as many as possible will
email Prime Minister Martin before June 21, 2005. His email is pm@pm.gc.ca. Snail mail info is :
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa
K1A 0A2
Fax: 613-941-6900
Please also copy your correspondence to info@circleofallnations.com
Thank you so much for your help in this matter.
Fondly,
Betsy Stang
GRANDFATHER WILLIAM COMMANDA’S INVITATION TO THE JUNE 21 GATHERING
OF NATIONS PIPE CEREMONY ON VICTORIA ISLAND, OTTAWA, CANADA
On June 21, 2005 at 10.00 a.m., I shall be hosting the fifth annual Gathering of Nations Pipe Ceremony at Victoria
Island to continue my prayer and work for all people. June 21 was identified
as Indian Day in 1945 by native activist Jules Sioui; a few years ago, the former Governor General formally recognized the
date, and today, many join in this celebration of National Aboriginal Day.
For the past forty years, I have followed the direction of my ancestors who welcomed yours to this land, and I have
worked hard to create a Circle of All Nations, a Culture of Peace, to advance respect
for Mother Earth and to advance racial harmony. I see today that Canada is engaged in one of the most interesting and difficult
challenges of modern times – reconciling a huge array of diverse interests, peoples and cultures.
My peoples have been crushed for a long time and sometimes it seems like we beg for crumbs and acknowledgement at
a table where the world seeks its place. We see churches, cathedrals, synagogues,
temples and mosques reflecting the great diversity of cultures here, but there is still no place where indigenous peoples
can gather together in the spirit of unity that used to mark our heritage.
Over recent years, I have shared the sacred Three Figure Welcoming/Agreement Wampum Belt which signified the commitment
of my ancestors in 1700 to share their country, grand natural resources and values with yours, with the land being held in
trust for Creator and the unborn children. This was before my country was divided. Since then, our resources have been exploited, depleted and contaminated. The balance of life has been disrupted, and the centre can no longer hold things together. We have seen this in unprecedented fires last year and in floods this year.
I also said that Turtle Island would not find true peace until the relationship with the first peoples of this land
was healed, and we occupied our rightful position in the heart of this country. Sadly,
we have endured years of great hardship, division and rancour. I have not been happy to see this strife and turmoil.
But my ancestors used to say the most nutritious walnuts emerge after the coldest winter.
In my mind, it is the indigenous peoples who hold the seeds for a vision of inclusion and collective sharing, respect
and responsibility, and in our very existence we serve as the glue to bond a fragile federation together. We must work together collectively for a strengthened nation.
With the commencement of the United Nations Decade for a Culture of Peace, I began to pursue the work of developing
a vision for a fully inclusive indigenous peace-building cultural centre on Victoria Island actively (see Healing Page – www.circleofallnations.com).
The concrete manifestation of this commitment needs to be visible to all people. At the same time, it must contribute
to strengthening Aboriginal Peoples individually and collectively. This commitment can be made evident and visible in the
endorsement of the vision for Victoria Island.
This would constitute the tangible, public expression of the commitment to the First Peoples. I continue to pray for the materialization of this work during my lifetime.
I invite you all to join us on June 21. I am sure you will be heartened
when you see the multicultural face of Canada join Aboriginal Peoples in celebration on the ancient spiritual meeting grounds
of my ancestors, and you will see that when we learn to come together with one heart,
one mind, one love and one determination, the seeds of peace-building can and indeed shall blossom and embrace all.
Megwetch
William Commanda
http://www.circleofallnations.com/
info@circleofallnations.com
Betsy Stang
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2008.09.01 |
2006.08.01 |
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2005.07.01 |
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2005.05.01 |
2005.04.01
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We are the change we want to see.
| July Buddha with Lilies |
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| Betsy Stang |
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