Harmony Institute Newsletter May 2003 Dear Friends of the Harmony Institute, I hope this Newsletter finds you in good health and spirits. And by the way, HAPPY SPRING! So much has happened since the last newsletter, I'm not sure where to begin. Last month I attended a conference on Interfaith Education at the United Nations, and it was amazing. And as you'll read, more exciting changes are happening at the Harmony Institute! -Gary Beckwith In this edition: 1) Report on trip to United Nations 2) The Solar-Peace Bus is coming! 3) Vote on new T-shirt designs 4) Peace Shoppe Sale 5) Quote of the Day 6) Links of the Day 1) Report on Trip to United Nations On March 17th and 18th I went to the United Nations to attend a conference on Interfaith Education. As the trip approached, we were on the brink of war in Iraq. In an ironic turn of events, at the moment of Bush's famous "48 hour deadline" speech, I was at the United Nations discussing Interfaith Education. I will never forget looking out the window of our conference room that day. We were in the Church building of the UN, which is directly across from the big familiar building with the flags. The windows and balcony of our meeting room stared straight at it. Media trucks were lined up in the parking lot, each with their own satellite dish. Leaning over the balcony rail during one of the breaks, I asked someone if the media is always there like that. I was told that they only appeared since the high level meetings about the war began. Suddenly I noticed that the full moon was rising just beside the UN. The sky was still bright blue, but the moon seemed huge and bright, even in the daylight. The white and gray sphere rose behind the building, as if it had something to say. Everyone attending the event felt something eerie about the timing. Not so much the moon, but just the fact that we were at a conference discussing how religions can come together peacefully, and at the same time, Bush was in the building across the street arguing for war. It was sometimes difficult for us to focus on the agenda of the conference without talking about current events and looming possibilities. Even during the lectures and discussions, the huge row of windows behind the podium constantly reminded us of what was happening in that building we all stared at. Throughout the day, we got updates of what was happening. At one point, someone walked to the microphone and said they had some news. They told us all that Bush had set a deadline for war, and the UN inspectors were being pulled out of Iraq. A heavy feeling fell on the room. At the conference I met many interesting people - rabbis, priests, educators, leaders of organizations, activists, students, and spiritualists. I learned quite a bit about Interfaith Education - that there is a very strong worldwide movement for the religions to come together and learn more about each other. I did feel that this is at the beginning stages there is much more work to be done. In all, the trip was very intense, somber, and extremely positive, despite the developing world situation. I made so many connections with wonderful people; some I've already begun work with since the conference. It's my hope that that full moon rise was a reminder, that even in this time of darkness, there is light. Perhaps it was reminding us that someone watches over us. Perhaps it was calling us to continue our work. Either way, I pray that peace comes soon. 2) The Solar-Peace Bus is Coming! In previous newsletters, I've mentioned that before I wrote a book on religion, I worked in the Renewable Energy field (solar, wind, and hydro power) for 10 years. In many ways, my heart is still there. With oil, greed, and religious intolerance at the root of so many problems, a few months ago I was brainstorming a way to promote renewable energy awareness, and what popped into my mind was the Solar-Peace Bus. What is the Solar-Peace Bus? It is a converted school bus that will demonstrate and educate issues relating to peace, the environment, solar energy, and religious tolerance. The Bus will attend a variety of events - festivals, concerts, and other gatherings - to provide information, do demonstrations, and teach workshops on these subjects. I know what you're thinking - how can a huge gas guzzling bus teach about the environment? Isn't that hypocritical? Wouldn't it be better to have a Solar-Peace Bike, or a Solar-Peace Wagon? That would be so, except for one thing. At the heart of the Solar-Peace Bus will be an engine that runs on VEGETABLE OIL! Yes, you read that right. One of the best kept secrets, that the greedy oil companies don't want you to know, is that Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine with full intention of it running on vegetable oil, and today's diesel cars can actually run on it with little modification. While vegetable oil costs a bit more than gas today, the environmental benefits are numerous. For more information on this, see the book "From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank" by J. Tickell. At first, the Solar-Peace Bus will run on Biodiesel fuel, which is a commercially available diesel fuel derived from vegetable oil instead of petroleum oil (see "Links of the Day" below for more information). Soon we will be able to run it directly on vegetable oil. I have been looking at many diesel school buses and I finally found the right one that will become the Solar-Peace Bus! Next week I will be picking it up. Here's what it looks like now: http://theharmonyinstitute.org/images/peacebus.jpg Keep in mind that it's going to look a lot different after we paint it! There are many things the Bus will do, much more than I can describe here in this newsletter. Soon we'll have full web page describing the Solar-Peace Bus, a list of places it will be going, and other activities. 3) Vote on New T-Shirt Designs Over the next few weeks, the Harmony Institute will be making new t-shirt designs. These will be simple, affordable, one color designs, usually with a simple text message. Our first shirt will be related to peace, and we have narrowed it down to seven different peace shirts. We are asking your help in deciding which one to print. If you have a moment to glance at a few t-shirt designs and place your vote, here they are: http://www.theharmonyinstitute.org/tshirt_vote.shtml After the peace shirt is decided, we will be making one relating to solar energy. 4) Peace Shoppe Sale As usual, people who take the time to read the newsletter will get a little benefit. Here is a link to the "secret" discount area: http://theharmonyinstitute.org/coupon name: coupon password: namaste Note: Please do not give out the name and password. If you want someone to have access, ask them to sign up to receive the newsletter. Access to the discount area is a benefit of simply requesting and reading our newsletter. 5) Quote of the Day "On the returning trip home, gazing through 240,000 miles of space toward the stars and the planet from which I had come, I suddenly experienced the universe as intelligent, loving, harmonious." -Edgar Mitchell, US Astronaut 6) Links of the Day Information on Biodiesel Fuel: http://www.biodiesel.org Today's Peace Link: http://www.globalpeacemakers.org Alternative News Coverage of the War: http://www.inthesetimes.com/ More great links: http://www.theharmonyinstitute.org/links.shtml Thank you for reading the Harmony Institute's Newsletter. This newsletter is available online at: http://www.theharmonyinstitute.org/news.shtml The Harmony Institute will never share your email address with anyone. If for any reason you do not wish to continue receiving this newsletter simply send email to newsletter@theharmonyinstitute.org.