A Room for Peace

For many years I’ve read and re-read the writings of  the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. His writings on mindfulness and peace are well known, but this is perhaps one of my favourite quotations (many can be found on the web if you don’t have his books)

When we have peace, then we have a chance to save the planet. But if we are not united in peace, if we do not practice mindful consumption, we cannot save our planet. Thich Nhat Hanh
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/thich-nhat-hanh-quotes_3

There are times, like now when I read of arms being supplied to support the war in the Yemen, that I despair of some politicians ever abandoning their hawk like attitude but – we shouldn’t give up hope.

When visiting a friend in hospital one day I came across a notice –

 

‘There’s a room provided –

a room set aside for contemplation,

meditation, reflection, prayer

for those of any faith or none.’

 

On reflection, what faith would

condone massacre, bloodshed,

rape, self-immolation or torture?

 

Those following religions often

find barriers to understanding

in suspicion, hatred and fear.

 

Fear of the unfamiliar, unknown

feeds suspicion and unrest.

What faith can overcome this?

 

There’s a room provided

for those of any faith or none.

Is there room for peace?

 

 

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