Past 2023 Event: Prayers for Peace Mantra-thon

Saturday, September 16
12 noon – 8pm, zoom and in-person
Feel free to join the event either way and at any time for any length

Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2012464464
Meeting ID: 201 246 4464
(In-person) Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Center, 954 N. Marshall Street, Philadelphia PA 19123

In Buddhism, a mantra is a sacred sound, syllable, word, or phrase repeated to help the meditator focus on their meditation experience. There are such mantras that help us to connect with the potential that each of us has to experience profound peace within ourselves, and to be an arbiter of peace in the world.

Everyone is invited to drop in to this virtual and in-person meditation offered by the Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia. Whether it’s your first time, or you are a regular meditation and chanting practitioner, you are invited to come and share in this experience of chanting mantra prayers for peace.

The Prayers for Peace Mantra-thon is divided into 45 minute segments, each devoted to a specific Buddhist mantra and dedicated to a state of mind that supports happiness, peace and inclusion for all living beings.

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PAST 2023 EVENT: OUR SHARED HUMANITY: A SELF-COMPASSION DISCUSSION & MEDITATION

Tuesday, Sept 19
7:00pm EST

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86039782671
Meeting ID: 860 3978 2671

This year’s theme of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace is a “call
to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster
peace.” To take action on behalf of others and our planet requires
compassion and a mindset of shared humanity and equality. Pema Chodron,
an American Tibetan nun, has said “Compassion becomes real when we
recognize our shared humanity
.” Yet it is only when we are compassionate
toward ourselves that we can be present to act for others when the
opportunity arises.

Please join Sue Passante from the Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Center of
Philadelphia in affiliation with the Philadelphia Buddhist Association for a
discussion and meditation on developing self-compassion. We will explore a
few methods from accomplished spiritual and medical professionals on how
to simply turn compassion inward to deepen our motivation to relieve the
suffering of others.

Past 2023 Event: Water and Peace: Access Issues and Navigating Conflicts

Wednesday, September 20
6-7:30pm EST
Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/3EqlLCK

What are global warning signs related to water access? How do water issues relate to conflicts between regions and countries as well as climate change across the planet? In this program, experts will speak to examples of current challenges related to water stress and access and ideas for enabling equitable access to water.

Panelists:

Michael Collins, Executive Director, The Americas, Institute for Economics and Peace – Responsible for expanding IEP’s presence and  impact in the Americas and the adoption of IEP’s Positive Peace Framework as an evidence-based tool for effective peace-centered development. Prior to joining IEP, Michael helped develop and  oversee educational and job creation programs in emerging nations, working frequently in communities affected by natural disasters, poverty, and gang violence.

Omar El Hattab, PhD, Senior Advisor | Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Emergency Programme Division, UNICEFWith nearly 30 years of experience in the WASH Sector, Omar is currently holding the position of Senior Advisor, WASH in Emergency with UNICEF Programme Division, New York and heading the WASH in Emergency and Fragile Contexts Unit within the WASH Section. He’s responsible for overseeing and coordinating UNICEF’s emergency preparedness and responses across the world among others covering a broad myriad of emergencies including conflict, natural disasters and public health emergencies.

Christine Serwan, Special Projects Senior Associate, Charity Water – Christine Serwan is a Special Projects Senior Associate at charity: water, working on their remote sensors and donor travel programs. She is based in the Philadelphia area and has an extensive background in community and international development, with a Masters of Public Administration from Rutgers University. She began her career in international development while living in Malawi after graduating from Gettysburg College, serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer and staff member.

FLIER

“Water management should be everyone’s concern. We need to educate people at all levels because it is not just about technical know-how but also about changing mentalities. This change in attitudes towards water must occur at all levels and should start from the earliest age.” – Abou Amani, Director, Division of Water Sciences and Secretary, Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) of UNESCO

This program is a partnership between Peace Day Philly and the UN Association of Greater Philadelphia.

PAST 2023 Event: Peace Day Philly 2023 – Actions for Peace

Thursday, September 21
11:30am – 12:45pm

North Apron, City Hall

Please join us as we gather on the International Day of Peace!

Activities will include music, remarks on peace by local leaders on how they are building peace in Philly, one minute of silence for world peace, and sharing your action for peace. Tabling by community organizations, too.

Bring a friend and spread the word!

Download Flier

PAST EVENT: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges Through Dialogue and Sharing Food

Wednesday, September 21` (Peace Day)
5:30-7:30pm

Welcoming Center, 211 N 13th St 4th floor, Philadelphia, PA

Come celebrate and recognize the contributions of refugees and immigrants in Philadelphia. This event is an opportunity to share stories and make positive connections. Through international food and conversation, you will learn about overcoming obstacles and building a better life. Guest speakers will be invited to speak on relevant topics.

Made possible with generous support from International House of Philadelphia, the Department of Behavioral Health and disAbility Services and Councilman Mark Squilla

Download Flyer and to register – REGISTRATION REQUIRED

PAST EVENT: End Racism. Build Peace. Peace Day Philly 2022

Wednesday, September 21 (Peace Day)
11:20am – 12:30pm
North side of City Hall

Philadelphia will join with groups and organizations around the world to make this global day of local opportunity. The global Peace Day theme, set by the United Nations, is End Racism. Build Peace. Guests will speak to this theme and we will share in the global act of observing one minute of silence at 12 noon. Live music, poetry and artmaking will also be a part of this event.

Special speakers will include:
– Romana Lee-Akiyama, MSS, MLSP, Director – Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement
– Kia Ghee, Esq., Executive Director- Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations

Performers will include
– L’Tajh Carter – Poetry
– Marcy Francis and Jan Jeffries – Drumming
– Hugh Taft-Morales – guitar and singing

Artmaking: We welcome people to “Chalk 4 Peace” by sharing words and images of peace with sidewalk chalk. Creating peace buttons (thanks to Artwell) and mini murals (hanks to Mural Arts)


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PAST EVENT: Forced Migration: Trauma, Trends and Solutions

Monday Sept. 19
7:00-8:30pm – Eastern Time
VIRTUAL

We will hear from three experts with different perspectives and experiences related to forced migration. From global trends to local resettlement, how can refugees and immigrants overcome traumas experienced in-country and fleeing from conflict, and find their way to a new life? How does racism impact their ability to cope, adapt and build resilience? What role can our community play in creating a safe environment?

Speakers:
– Michael Collins, Institute for Economics and Peace
– Maureen Smith, Welcoming Center
– Ayuen Ajok, Sawa Sawa Netwok, Refugee from South Sudan
– Hilary Parsons Dick, Arcadia University
Facilitated by Barbara Simmons, Director Emeritus, The Peace Center

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://arcadia.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwtdOmhrTMvH9MPlWeaTkfZ7wCuNS4Z1CDC After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Download Flyer

PAST EVENT: Loving Kindness Meditation

Saturday, Sept. 17th
10am – 11:30am (ET)

VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON (HYBRID EVENT)
Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia 954 N. Marshall Street Philadelphia

The Power of Prayer: In recent years we have witnessed the growth of destructive forces such as war,racism, violence, injustice, intolerance, greed, poverty, sickness and
environmental devastation. It can be difficult to see how one individual can
have a positive impact in the face of so many problems. Please join Bill Stauffer
and Sue Passante from the Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Center of
Philadelphia for a virtual discussion and meditation on ways to connect our
individual virtues of kindness, patience and compassion to those suffering in our
communities and across the world. Special dedications may be requested for
prayers of healing and peace during the event.

Everyone is welcome to join us by Zoom or in person, your choice!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82770680801
Meeting ID: 827 7068 0801

Masking, social distancing & proof of vaccination are required for in-person attendance.

PAST EVENT: Misson: Joy Documentary

Friday, Sept. 16
6:30-8:30pm
Philadelphia Ethical Society
1906 Rittenhouse Square

Deeply moving and laugh-out-loud funny, Mission: JOY is a documentary with unprecedented access to the unlikely friendship of two international icons who transcend religion: His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the late Archbishop Tutu. In their final joint mission, these self-described mischievous brothers give a master class in how to create joy in a world that was never easy for them. They offer neuroscience-backed wisdom to help each of us live with more joy, despite circumstances.

Inspired by New York Times bestseller The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, the film showcases the exchange between these two Nobel Peace Prize winners that led to that book. Consisting largely of never-before-seen footage shot over 5 days at the Dalai Lama’s residence in Dharamsala, the film invites viewers to join these luminaries behind the scenes as they recount stories from their lives, each having lived through periods of incredible difficulty and strife.

A brief moderated discussion will follow. Free.

Please register here: https://bit.ly/MissionJoyTickets
Download the Flier HERE