Bearing their torch and their message of universal peace, the Sri Chinmoy Peace Runners arrived at Landis on August 6. At each location, the global torch relay selects a candidate from individuals working to promote peace, both worldwide and within their own communities, and presents them an award.
The Torch Bearer Award was given to Vijaya Luxmi, a “steward of peace,” for her dedicated service to the organization’s mission. Vijaya is a longtime Arboretum member and the founder of the Arboretum’s Shanti Vun Peace Pavilion and Meditation Garden.
The Peace Run, founded by Sri Chinmoy in 1987, is a global relay which promotes international friendship and understanding. Such internationally renowned figures as Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and Mikhail Gorbachev have all supported the run and carried the Peace Torch. The run has visited almost every country on earth – over 160 nations and territories – and brought the message of peace to millions of people.
The ceremony began with Vijaya welcoming each runner to the Arboretum and washing the feet of each participant, an act, she said, of humility and servitude. She commented, “We cannot buy peace. We create it by being human.”
At the ceremony, several runners shared their personal reasons for running, their life stories, and their commitment to a more peaceful world. Surrounded by her Arboretum family and her many friends, Vijaya was presented with the prestigious award.
Vijaya speculated that in this turbulent world, such messages of peace are a reminder that the goodness of humanity will prevail. “This Peace Forest [the Arboretum] has grown, as I hope peace will grow.”