Thank you to Anne Walter for the following report on all the incredible actions held by the Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion!

Neuroscience has confirmed that when we hear or see stories of real people sharing goodness, kindness, compassion or peace, then we are much more likely to do the same. Do you need some encouragement and companionship on the path of nourishing an attitude of compassion and nonharm? Join us during this 10th annual 12 Days Toward Peace with many FREE opportunities. We may feel small, but each of us can make a difference.

Twelve Days Toward Peace is an initiative created by Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion.

We are honored to collaborate with Pace e Bene’s national Campaign Nonviolence Action Days.

Chalk It Up for Peace—International Day of Peace

Saturday, Sept 21, 10:00 – 11:30am at All Peoples Unitarian Universalist Church, 4936 Brownsboro Rd, 40222

This FREE Family-Friendly event included peace music with local musician John Gage, Chalk Art for Peace, creation of your vision of a peaceful world on Peace PostCards, a story corner offering Peace-Stories, and decorating Bags for the Earth.

REPORT: 22 participants attended in-person, and we are hopeful that others “chalked it up for peace” elsewhere.

Morning Practice for Nonviolence

Daily, 7:30-8:00am, via Zoom

Participants were invited to set an intention to expand nonviolence in their hearts and actions each day. Eleven different community peacemakers took turns leading with short input about nonviolence, prayer, and/or meditative practice.

REPORT: 28 people registered, with an average of 13 attending each day of the 12 days.

12-Hour Vigil for Nonviolence

Wednesday, Sept 25, 8:00am to 8:00pm, In-Person at DGCEC

Each hour was hosted by a representative of a different organization/group, using meditation, song, poetry or prayer.

REPORT: 13 leaders representing the Hindu Community, ChooseWell Communities, Holy Hills Hermitage, Muslim Americans for Compassion, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, St. William Catholic Church, JustFaith Ministries, Louisville Recovery Sangha, Louisville’s Arms of Compassion, and DGCEC led the hours.

Peacemaker Conversation “Solidarity Through Organizing” with Carla Wallace, Pam McMichael and Cory Lockhart Thursday, Sept 26, 12 – 1pm, via Zoom and Facebook LIVE

Carla and Pam, well-known local peacemakers and also leaders in the national justice movement, joined Cory for a compelling conversation about intersectional justice work.

REPORT: 26 participants joined via Zoom and another group watched on Facebook LIVE. We even had someone in India tune in! https://fb.watch/v5lMq1qgiH/

Louisville’s Arms of Compassion

Friday, Sept 27, 12 - 12:30pm, via Zoom

We gather about weekly (since 2016) to stand in solidarity with those who have lost someone to murder, to work on our practice of non-harm, and to take a pledge of nonviolence.

REPORT: We were scheduled to meet outside, but torrential downpours due to Hurricane Helene’s effects, sent 16 participants to Zoom.

The Buddhist Practice of Non-Harm with Geshe Rapgyal

Saturday, Sept 28, 10:00 – 11:00am, In-Person at DGCEC and via Zoom

Geshe Rapgyal, our Tibetan Buddhist teacher, shared about the ancient practices of non-harm which serve as the foundation for Buddhism. He discussed establishing altruistic mind and compassionate living from a philosophical and practical perspective.

REPORT: We had 23 participants either in-person or on Zoom for this teaching about non-harm.

Nonviolence Movie Night Featuring the Documentary Pray the Devil Back to Hell

Saturday, Sept 28, 6-7:30pm

This challenging and compelling movie chronicles the remarkable story of the Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country.

REPORT: After the documentary ended, Cory Lockhart led a meaningful discussion with 13 people who were touched, overwhelmed, and inspired to further action by the movie.

Peacemaker Conversation “Moving Forward Together” with Charles Booker and Cory Lockhart

Tuesday, Oct 1, 12-1:00pm, In-Person at DGCEC, via Zoom and on Facebook LIVE

Charles Booker is a local bridge-builder who has served in public office and in the community. He has a documentary and book called “From the Hood to the Holler” – linking the needs and challenges of rural and urban Kentucky.

REPORT: Over 55 people joined in-person at DGCEC and via Zoom (and more through Facebook LIVE) to be heartened by stories of unexpected connections, inspired by visionary work for a better future, and challenged to work for peace from whatever position you find yourself in.

International Day of Nonviolence Events

Four Events on Wednesday, October 2

“Chalk it up for Nonviolence”

Schools in particular were invited to a citywide project of writing and repeating wisdom-quotes that help raise awareness of the language and practice of nonviolence.

REPORT: Five schools participated and sent us pictures of their efforts – with many high school and middle schools kids participating. We also gave out bags of chalk to individuals and invited them to create something wherever they could: quotes, pictures, or messages of nonviolence and peace. We were pleased with the participation level since the public schools were actually on Fall Break on Oct 2, but set some time the week before.

“Celebration of Gandhi’s Birthday” with dedication of 12 Days Toward Peace: 12-1:00pm

REPORT: A group of a dozen – in-person at DGCEC and on Zoom – shared candle lighting, a Tibetan Buddhist dedication prayer, highlights from Gandhiji’s life and mission, quotes from great peacemakers, and a pledge of nonviolence.

“We Are The Nonviolent Cities Project” Teach-In with Rivera Sun and Pace e Bene: 5:00-6:00pm, via Zoom

REPORT: At least five Louisville folks were part of 27 participants from all over the country who heard the inspiring work of Nonviolent Cities organizers. Anne Walter was able to represent DGCEC’s 12 Days Toward Peace/ Nonviolent Compassionate Louisville’s efforts.

“Nonviolence 101” Teach-In with Rivera Sun and Pace e Bene: 7-8:30pm, via Zoom

REPORT: A group of Louisville folks joined many participants for this terrific “Nonviolence 101” session offered by Rivera Sun. This has inspired at least one of DGCEC member to join the Nonviolent Compassionate Louisville movement.

Tibetan Buddhist Prayer for Nonviolence and World Peace

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during 12 Days Toward Peace at 10am, with Geshe Rapgyal and Ven. Samdup, In- Person at DGCEC

REPORT: This opportunity to focus one’s intentions and nourish one’s efforts was open to anyone who wanted to attend.

Peacemakers to Light the Path

REPORT: Anne shared a simple quote or reflections about the lives and wisdom of great nonviolence practitioners – one per day at https://www.facebook.com/12DaysTowardPeace.