Imagine a community that sees itself and each person as Jesus, Muhammad, or Mahatma Gandhi envisioned:

A community that is consciously heart-centered, that values individual integrity at least as much as clean air, water and food.

A community that has the courage and strength to actively live, create, and grow into ever-expanding expression of God Consciousness.

A community whose foundation is so based in honor and respect that each morning begins with the shared washing and drying of another's hands as you look in each other's eyes, acknowledging the Spirit within and the personality present.

There is good news, very good news. This place exists! It is in Sherborn, Massachusetts and it is called The Peace Abbey.

For the past two years, a friend of mine has mentioned The Peace Abbey to me with joy and enthusiasm. She said whenever she got confused or overwhelmed, she would visit and it would completely shift her perspective.

About a year ago, I decided to go and see it for myself. I have returned many times, always bringing another so as many people as possible can hold this reality and bring it forth. I would like to share with you this simple, sacred place.

It is a challenge to know where to start.

Outside stands a tall, peaceful statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Around him is a prayer memorial with twelve of the major religions represented by their prayers for peace. There are also plaques commemorating the memory of many courageous men and women, known and unknown, who lived and died in the name of nonviolence, love and peace.

The public is invited to attend a community meeting in what appears to be a quaint Quaker meeting room. Although nondenominational, the Life Experience School aspires to the principles of the Friends, cultivating an awareness of each person's identity as peacemaker.

The school is a day program for students 12 to 21 years old who have experienced "life challenges as a result of neurological impairments, developmental difficulties, or secondary emotional challenges."

Dedicated to the memory of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., the school helps students discover their strengths and develop compassion and self-empowerment through service to others. If you visit the school during the week, you will be greeted warmly by fresh-faced, bright-eyed students. One's heart instinctively knows it is welcomed, safe and blessed, Spirit meeting Spirit.

Students can participate in the Special Peace Corps. Routine assignments can be serving meals to the homeless or homebound, volunteering in a nursing home, caring for animals at the humane society, participating in community clean up, as well as assisting in conflict resolution.

Upon entering the Center Room, you immediately notice a beautiful, long wood table decorated with a handmade runner. Framed pictures of some of the participants in the morning meeting are placed along the runner. Around the room are statues, colorful flags, and personal belongings of some of the people who have received the Courage of Conscience Awards (see recipient list to the left of page). Students and faculty alike are surrounded by these mementos daily, inspiring their commitment to peacemaking.

"God put the rainbow in the clouds so even in the dreariest of times we would know there is hope. And that is why The Peace Abbey is here." Maya Angelou

In the chapel, you will again find the twelve major religions represented. Sitting in the chapel brings peace to the heart, tears to the eyes and a vision of hope to the soul. You are invited to sign a petition to free prisoners of war --- and you can sit quietly and read books and magazines from different cultures, all acknowledging Spirit's presence.

The Peace Abbey is also home to the Veganpeace Animal Sanctuary and the Greater Boston Vegetarian Resource Center. Students become self sufficient as they are educated about the nutrients that can best maintain wellness, and
the cost of unconscious eating. There is no room for ignorance because informed thinking is going on.

To further support a compassionate form of pacifism, the Veganpeace Animal Sanctuary was established. The Peace Abbey is home to well cared for goats, rabbits, turkeys and cows. There is a particularly interesting story about Emily the cow. Emily was literally being readied to kill within the walls of the slaughterhouse when she up and escaped. Running away was no small feat
seeing she had to jump over a 5 foot gate out of the building to avoid the killing floor. Much to everyone's shock, she succeeded.

During the next forty days and nights, Emily was periodically sighted in the company of deer who had apparently befriended her. When the authorities finally caught up with Emily, she was far too thin to butcher. The Randas purchased her for $1.

If you'd like to have a conversation with a cow that appears to understand what you have to say and gives you eye contact, come and visit Emily. Miracles, breathtaking stories and inspired happenings seem to be routine in this environment that is based on love.

It is difficult to do justice to The Peace Abbey in so few and limited words. See this as an invitation if your spirit resonates with this place and these ideals, as mine does. Let us come together and support each other in whatever way we can. The Peace Abbey has never advertised or requested funds. It is their belief that when one follows Spirit, all is provided.