On May 18 at 6:30 pm, the international Symphony of Peace Prayers (SOPP) was held at the Brahma Kumaris' (BK) colorful garden at Forest Hills, Banawa in Cebu City. The place earned praises from guests and some of them are new. Around 15 came, including BKs and artists Amitabha EBJ and Eli Manony.
The SOPP is a grassroots effort that continues to expand through
volunteers for a more loving, harmonious and peaceful world, starting
from one’s self. From the friendly atmosphere, center coordinator
Brother Art Banawa said that the event started years back at Fuji
Sanctuary in Japan. The SOPP has been featured at United Nations 2013 booklet, in time for the United for a Culture of peace event.
After introducing the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University and its service through a video, participants were made to introduce themselves by identifying the color that speaks about their feelings for the SOPP event.
With instrumental background music, the hour long program started with a meditation commentary from a BK sister which tackled the peaceful soul, God the Ocean of Peace and serving the world and nature, with special mention of typhoon survivors in Philippines central region.Then, local renowned (or respected) yoga teacher EBJ played on indigenous instruments, including Tibetan bowls, to deepen the participants’ experience of peace through breathing, silence and garden awareness. Brother Art also read the Prayer for a World without Conflict. The participants stayed in silence and had wonderful time with
themselves either enjoying the beauty of the garden or listening to the
meditative music.
Brother Art is planning to hold another Peace prayer and silent meditation to give others, who miss this event, the opportunity to reflect, experience peace and also spread the vibrations of peace in the world.
The service program ended with a light healthy dinner, smiling faces and good night conversations.
May Peace Prevail On Earth!
