Cherish Peace and Goodwill

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.  To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”
— Calvin Coolidge

Small ball ornaments on vintage Ball jars

Woolen stocking garland

Nutcracker from Germany

Cross-stitched jungle bell

Just a few holiday touches at my house.  Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

Peace on Earth

Prayer wheels at the Sakya Monastery in Seattle

Prayer wheels and prayers for peace

The holiday season rings with the prayer for “Peace on Earth.”  These prayer wheels at the Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism in Seattle are monuments to peace and harmony.  Enclosed within each prayer wheel is a scroll with a mantra of lovingkindness and compassion written 100,000 times.  Spin the wheels to send the prayer — a universal desire for peace on earth.

“Your thoughts become your words.
Your words become  your actions.
Your actions become your habits.
Your habits become your character.
Your character becomes your destiny.”
— The Buddha

Prayer flags flutter outside the Sakya Monastery

Buddha with offerings

From Hiroshima to Hope

From Hiroshima to Hope, a peace celebration at Green Lake

Kimono-clad for the celebration of peace

I attended an event last evening at Green Lake, From Hiroshima to Hope, to help remember victims of war and violence and to share prayers for peace.  At dusk, participants sent paper lanterns afloat in the lake.  It was a beautiful and festive celebration.

Three little girls hiding behind two fans

Waiting until dark to light lantern and set it afloat

Lanterns alight with hopes and wishes for peace

Launching a lantern in Green Lake

Floating lanterns