 Peace Prayer Day  |
Peace Prayer Day
Amrit Kaur Khalsa
Espanola, New Mexico, USA
The sun rose gloriously over the Jemez mountains June 16, 1996, but people from the surrounding valley had begun to prepare for this eleventh annual Peace Prayer Day long before any light was visible on the horizon. Various individuals rehearsed their speeches, practiced their music, or perfected their dance routines, while Solstice participants arranged the grounds of Ram Das Puri and settled the logistics of the ceremony.
From the beginning it was clear to see that the theme of the day would be "Peace through Music". As Guru Singh Khalsa, one of the Masters of Ceremonies, reminded us, "When Yogi Bhajan first came, he said the rifle of the Aquarian Age would be the electric guitar". The invocation, performed by Danny Wilding, may not have been played on an electric guitar, but this world class flautist certainly enhanced the feeling of peace with his ethereal, soul-searching music. Matthew Andrae, local singer and songwriter from the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, followed up on the theme of music with his spirited, heart-felt songs of peace. Alan Hutner, host of a long running radio show and the other Master of Ceremonies, said, quite appropriately, "Every once in a while you get to see someone in performance before they rise to prominence. I think Matthew is on his way." But Matthew Andrae is not the only one on his way. Certainly the talented, four-women a Capella group from Canada deserved, and received as much praise. Their inspiring music lifted our spirits, earning them not one, but two standing ovations, definite promise of their future success.
However, of all the harmonies heard throughout the day, the most harmonious note came from this year’s recipient of the Man of Peace award, Dr. Gordon Melton, founder of the Institute for the Study of American Religion. Dr. Melton’s fight for religious freedom has saved many people from unjust persecution, and he presently endeavors to accumulate a list of all spiritual leaders, so that an efficient means of unification may be obtained. In the words of the Siri Singh Sahib, "Dr. Gordon Melton saved the world from the chaos of spiritual vice."
Peace Prayer Day was drawn out in fiery emotion as the marathon runners from Sanctuario de Chimayo ran in with the Eternal Flame of Peace, followed by the Bhangra dancers who enlivened the crowd with spirit. Finally, in conclusion to the day, came the most powerful event of all: the Sacred Healing Walk and Ceremonial Dance. Everyone brought their drums and instruments, creating an intensely, vibrant healing as the power of the drums made its way around the circles of the sacred Walk. By the end of the day everyone felt peaceful and satisfied, happy with thoughts of future, global plans for Peace.