Remembering the Ancient Ones
Today is the 20th day of my water fast. Deeper and deeper awe and gratitude springs up from the fountain of my Soul. Gratitude for the Earth, the Sky, the Water, the Air. Gratitude for the Sun, the Moon, Thunder and Lightning. But the deepest energy springs up for our Ancestors and our Elders. Without their journeys through impossibilities, we would be lost with very little direction. The courage they passed on through their struggles inspires us. The knowledge they passed on from their experiences teaches us. And their legacy is that not only will life continue on, but that we can make it better for the next generation. No matter how their lives looked, they gave us life and the chance to create a more decent and just world. May it be so in our lifetime!
As a community the PeaceWeavers have had and continue to have humble, kind, shining lights as Elders: Bhante Dharmawara, Buddhist monk; Grandpa Harry Blue Thunder, Lakota Chief and traditional Elder; Ingwe from Kenya, guide to many, many youth; Harriet Two Strike, Lakota mother and grandmother to us all, and many others.
Globally, Elders of Peace for the last several decades have continued to lead the way. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, and Thich Nhat Hanh are Shining Beacons of Love and Light who have shown us the nobility of being Human.
And of course, M. K. Gandhi was a Lighthouse of Love and Strength for millions upon millions around the world. Through Gandhi's fasting and courage he inspired a whole nation to break the impossible chains of the British Empire and free itself from tyranny into freedom. His journey and complete devotion to Beings continues to light our way here at Thunder Mountain and the world.
We are amazed now that one of our PeaceWeaver Elders is Gandhi's grandson, Arun Gandhi. Our Grandfather Elder Bhante Dharmawara was good friends with Gandhi. And now over fifty years later we are working together with Arun for Peace. Arun carries on Gandhi's work all around the world. He is an authentic heir to his Grandfather's spirit and teachings. We are blessed with his dedication, presence, and vision! Humble Thanks...
There is a song that we sing that goes "We are family on a journey, shining in the sun, remembering the Ancient Ones, the Elders, and their wisdom." May we honor those that have come before us, by adding our Light to theirs, day by day in every way until the darkness of violence and fear are no more.
In Devotion,
Greg Lynn
May All Elders Be Well and Happy!
