Peacework Projects

Our Peacework, always the core of our organization, manifests in four primary ways:

1) Being Peace in a Time of War

2) Dismantling War

3) Peace Education and Resources

4) Coming Home for Vets

1) Being Peace in a Time of War: Offering a witness for peace and “public displays of practice” at vigils, rallies, and other gatherings.

List of ongoing vigils for peace sponsored by BPF and others

Downloadable flyer to be handed out at rallies and demonstrations with advice on maintaining nonviolence

Suggestions for Reducing Verbal or Physical Violence at Vigils and Protests

2) Dismantling War: Addressing the suffering brought about by the pervasive militarism in our culture. We do this through BPF members who provide GI counseling, as well as offering information for young people who face decisions about the military.

The Dharma and the Military: A Resource Guide

Ask a Dharma Vet: Veterans who are willing to talk to young people about their experiences in the military

3) Peace Education and Resources: Publishing and distributing Buddhist perspectives on peace and social justice issues, and participating in interfaith forums.

Articles on peace issues (written by members of the BPF community)

"Declaration of Interdepedence: A Call to Transform the Three Poisons for the Sake of All Sentient Beings"

Nuclear Disarmament pages

Palestinian/Israeli Peace Projects, from Winter 2005 Turning Wheel

4. Coming Home for Veterans: A multiphase project co-sponsored by Buddhist Peace Fellowship and Deep Streams Zen Institute, intended to address the mental, emotional, spiritual and relationship challenges faced by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.

"Welcoming Communities:" A forming network of dharma centers and other groups that welcome military veterans and their families

Coming Home events and workshops (organized by Deep Streams Zen Institute)

Peacework History

2005

The theme of 2005 was "Cultivating Peace, Dismantling War." Along with hundreds of other groups, BPF commemorated the 60th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in events around the globe. BPF also continued efforts to end the Iraq War, and organized a "Buddhist Peace Delegation" to march in Washington, D.C., in September. Sept 2005: The Buddhist Peace Delegation in Washington DC Peace Page

Take a look back at these and other events of the year on this calendar, with photos.

2004

BPF focused on the U.S. presidential elections and published a number of resources to link dharma teachings to participation in the democratic process, including a Voters' Guide. BPF members also offered a meditative witness for peace at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.

• An Invitation to Fulfill the Promise of Democracy:
  A statement from BPF for delegates of the Democratic and Republican parties
  
• A Meditation for Peace
  
• Convention Resources
  
• Calendar of Events for Democratic Convention in Boston
  
• Calendar of Events for Republican Convention in New York City
  
• Firsthand Reports from the Conventions
  
• BPF in the Media

BPF endorsed the Peace Tax Fund Bill. Click here for a the most recent news on this piece of legislation.

2002-2003

Prior to the start of war on Iraq in March 2003, BPF members helped to organize and participate in peace rallies in San Francisco, Washington DC, Boston, New York, Seattle, Hilo, and dozens of other cities and towns around the world. We held sitting meditation vigils, marched, and spoke from the dais in many of these places. Always we held out a vision of peace and community and reconciliation that we hoped could in some way effect the outcome of events, and help to alleviate the suffering of those involved.

Some of the speeches and letters from our community members:

Statement from BPF upon the Start of War (2003)

• Letter to President Bush, Donald Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, the administration, and the California Congressional delegation, from a coalition of Bay Area interfaith peace and justice groups [more info]

• Letter to President Bush from the Western Massachussetts Interfaith Coalition for Peace and Justice (Pioneer Valley BPF was a founding member of this coalition) [more info]

• Alan Senauke remarks, Oakland Federal Building, December 10, 2002 [more info]

• Taigen Dan Leighton remarks, San Francisco Civic Center, January 18, 2003 [more info]

• Alan Senauke remarks, San Francisco Civic Center, February 16, 2003 [more info]

• Photos of a BPF meditation vigil in San Francisco, February 16, 2003 [more info]

• Diana Lion remarks, San Francisco Federal Building, April 17, 2003 [more info]

• Article by Chris Wilson on BPF anti-war activities [more info]