JSC

PHOTO: Sister Denise with a gardener at JSC.

This morning my housemates & I visited the Metta Karuna Reflection Centre in Siem Reap run by Jesuit Service Cambodia. Sister Denise showed us the garden, sharing information about the various sculptures & objects in the reflection centre. This mural depicts "the Dhamma wheel being pushed by Buddhist monks, peace loving men and women, including people in wheelchairs, farmers, Catholic priests, nuns and soldiers as they walk to promote non-violence, peace and reconciliation."

The brochure tells me, "Years ago in the refugee camps, JRS reflected on how best to end the war and exile in Cambodia and promote peace. One of the decisions was to work with the Buddhist monks to promote reconciliation. Along with Maha Ghosanada...friends of peace began to organise the Peace Walk. The first was in 1992. The 1993 walk lead up to the first elections after the Pol Pot genocide era. Thousands walked across the country into Phnom Penh and the next day 95% of the population turned out to vote in peace."


I thought of peace and reconciliation today as Australia pilgrimage to the polling stations for the Federal Election. In what ways can we promote peace regardless of the outcomes of this election day?


Prayer of Maha Ghosanada

The Suffering of Cambodia has been deep
From this suffering comes Great Compassion
Great Compassion makes a Peaceful Heart
A Peaceful Heart makes a Peaceful Person
A Peaceful Person makes a Peaceful Family
A Peaceful Family makes a Peaceful Community
A Peaceful Community makes a Peaceful Nation
A Peaceful Nation makes a Peaceful World
A Peaceful World makes a Peaceful Universe


I reflected on this prayer. How do I cultivate a Peaceful Heart that leads to being a Peaceful Person?