“Earth Holder Sangha” dedicate a Peace Pole at Heritage Village, Southbury, Connecticut-USA

On, Sunday, December 11, 2016 the “Earth Holder Sangha” a community in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, celebrated the dedication of a Peace Pole with “MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH’ in four languages: English, Celtic/Gaelic, Hebrew, and Oglala Sioux Lakota.

Each side represents the ancestral heritage of Judith Stevens, who purchased the Peace Pole.

Bruce Nichols, of Shelton, CT co-facilitated along with Shaman Lucy Lightwalker.  Each gave gifts for the Earth and to our ancestors.  Tobacco and holy water from all over the earth was gathered and poured on the ground, as well as gifts by participants in the dedication.

Each person present chanted, MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH.  Bruce also brought ashes given to him at a sacred Hopi ceremony following September 11th tragic event.

An Irish Blessing by John O’Donohue, now deceased; a gatha by Thich Nhat Hanh was recited; and a Blessing by Oglala Sioux Lakota chief were also chanted.

Guests were treated to homemade mulled cider and finger foods and a very special sheet cake with MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH written on the cake.

The site of the dedication is at Heritage Village,  Southbury, CT.

Submitted by:  Judith E. Stevens