March 20, 2003 HOSTS 24 HOURS OF MEDITATION -- Public invited to join in meditation and prayer for peace Saturday in Troy-- The public is invited to join members of the Buddhist Peace Group in a 24-hour meditation for peace beginning at 6:00 am on Saturday, March 22, at the YWCA, 21 First Street (corner of State Street), Troy, New York. “Whatever our politics, all of us are praying for peace,” said group member Steve Trimm. “If you have a loved one serving in the military, we invite you to join us. If you have loved ones living in Iraq, we invite you to join us. If you support the war but yearn for its quick end, join us. If you oppose the war and yearn for an end to the suffering, join us.” Members of the Buddhist Peace Group will be present in sitting meditation from 6:00 AM on Saturday, March 22 to 6:00 AM on Sunday, March 23. The public is invited to drop by for a brief moment of silence or to stay for whatever amount of time they wish. “We also invite people to bring pictures, poems, letters, flowers, artwork or religious objects they wish to leave at a peace offering table in the meditation room,” said Pat Dinkelaker, group member and director of the YWCA of Troy-Cohoes. “These items will be a reflection of people’s deepest hopes and dreams for peace.” The Buddhist Peace Group is an ad hoc group of local American Buddhists who advocate a path of peaceful resolution to conflict. “We do not condone any act of killing nor do we condone the actions of those who profit from human suffering.” said group member and Vietnam era veteran John Pagoda. To assure that the meditation cycle is unbroken for 24 hours, members of the Buddhist Peace Group have pledged to sit in meditation in the Community Room at the YWCA during specific hours. Anyone who wishes to make the same pledge to participate can do so by calling 274-7100 or e-mailing buddhistpeacegroup@tap3x.net.
What: 24 Hours of Meditation and Prayer for Peace
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