Peace Mala
Encyclopedia
Peace Mala is an organisation based in Morriston
in Swansea
, Wales
dedicated to fostering inter-cultural and inter-faith tolerance through the manufacture, distribution and wearing of a symbolic mala
(bracelet) whose beads represent various faiths.
The organisation's aims are "promotion of understanding, respect, friendship, tolerance and peace between all communities, cultures and enlightened, compassionate faiths". Peace Mala promotes global citizenship and invites all people to treat each other with respect and compassion regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexuality, ability, size or age.
of mutual respect recognised by many spiritual paths. It consists of 16 beads, forming a double rainbow, which represent Christianity
, Buddhism
, Sikhism
, Islam
, Judaism
, Bahá'í
, ISKCON
, Zoroastrianism
, Tribal and Native Religions
, Jainism
, Earth Religions
, Taoism
, Hinduism
and Yungdrung Bön. The central white bead represents the wearer and whatever path they follow, with two knots on the elastic thread: one symbolising the wearer's uniqueness, the other a reminder of causality
and the path of peace and friendship to follow. Peace Malas, hand-made in Wales and protected by UK Design Registration No 3008422, are available in ready-made or kit form, and come in a monochrome variant and a hand-carved sterling silver bespoke version by the jewellers Mari Thomas and Nicola Palterman.
, Carmarthenshire
, Wales
. The idea arose from class discussions about the contribution of the "9/11" attacks in New York to Islamaphobia, racism, religious intolerance and fundamentalism
worldwide, as well as local effects exemplified by the experience of the student Imran Sheikh: "I suffered from racist taunts and our local mosque
was attacked following September 11 and that is when the Peace Mala all started." In 2005, Evans gave up her position as Head of Department at Coedcae School to focus on her work with Peace Mala. On 16 November 2006, (25th Shawwal 1427 AH
), Pam was awarded the Noble Soul Award 2006 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to challenging Islamaphobia in schools. The award was presented by RAHMA (Racial Attacks and Harassment Monitoring Association) on the International Day of Peace.
in Cardiff
on Wednesday 27 November 2002 by the Archbishop of Canterbury
Rowan Williams
(then Archbishop of Wales
). He was joined by members of the fourteen faiths represented on the Peace Mala bracelet, whose procession opened the ceremony, along with NGOs, students and teachers of schools from across Wales, lecturers from the University of Wales, and pupils and staff of Coedcae Comprehensive School.
Millennium Award in 2003, the Co-op
Community Dividend Award in 2003, the ChildLine
Cymru CHIPS Friendship and Respect Award in 2003 (1st Prize), and the Carmarthenshire Police Community Challenge Award in 2004. In 2004 Peace Mala was also awarded First Prize in the CEWC-Cymru
"Right-On" National Competition to promote Human Rights in Welsh schools. In 2006, Peace Mala was awarded a grant by Awards for All (Wales) in support of the Peace Mala Awards for Youth.
and not having a share capital, was entered in the Central Register of Charities as Registered Charity No. 1118053.
Archbishop of Canterbury
was patron of Peace Mala from 2003 until 2008. He continues to be an enthusiastic supporter of the project. Lama Khemsar Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of the Yundrung Bön Study Centre is the current patron of the organisation.
. Dr Williams was one of the first persons to be contacted by Evans when she came up with the idea of the Peace Mala. One of Dr Williams final acts as Archbishop of Wales was to join 14 other religious dignitaries in the launch of the Peace Mala in November 2002.
In 2003, Evans asked Dr Williams if he would be a patron. He accepted the offer saying he would be "honoured" to hold the position.
in 1959. He is the first resident Lama of the Yungdrung Bön tradition in Europe and also teaches widely in the USA.
Evans asked Lama Khemsar Rinpoche if he would be a patron of the organisation after a 21 day peace retreat he undertook in Los Angeles
. He replied saying that he would be "very happy" to accept the position, valued the trust placed in him and that he would do his best to support the great vision of the Peace Mala.
Since then, Lama Khemsar Rinpoche's students have made use of the main room in the Peace Mala Registered Office for their weekly Bön Zogchen Ngöndro
prayers and meditations. The Tibetan room at the centre is often used by Rinpoche when he visits Wales.
by the web publishing company Arcania. The website includes news articles relating to Peace Mala activities and endorsements from prominent religious leaders, political dignitaries and celebrities including the His Holiness Pope John Paul II, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Jillian Evans
MEP
, Sir Mark Tully
Beth Nielsen Chapman
, Bonnie Tyler
and Barbara Dickson.
The Youth Awards allows entrants from educational institutions, youth groups and faith groups. Two prizes are awarded. One for juniors (5-11)and the other for seniors (12-18).
In 2007, the Peace Mala Awards for Youth became an international competition with youth groups in the USA taking part in the project.
(Brynaman Primary School) in Carmarthenshire
and Pontygof Primary School in Ebbw Vale
would win the competition.
It was decided by the judges that these two entries were of such high calibre, as compared to senior entries, that both awards should be given to the junior entrants.
Highly Commended prizes were given to the Ethnic Youth Support Team in Swansea, the 1st Llansamlet
Brownies in Swansea and to Swansea College
Ty Coch Campus.
As a surprise to the winners, commemorative framed posters signed by Gary Marlon Suson from the Ground Zero Museum Workshop in New York were given as gifts to Evans for the winners. Gary Marlon Suson was the official photographer appointed by New York Fire Department to be with the recovery workers at the site of Ground Zero after the attacks of September 11.
The awards ceremony included many acts included a Native American Hoop Dance
performed by First Nations descendant Malcolm Edwards (Rising Eagle), a performance of whirling by the Naqshbandi Haqqani-Mevlevi Dervishes led by Sheikh Ahmad Dede, songs performed by the Hemiola Young Musicians, and a song performed by Evans herself (under the pseudonym of Magic).
, various NGOs and faith representatives who celebrated the achievements of Peace Mala since its launch in the Temple of Peace in Cardiff with the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams two years previously.
Faith representatives who attended included members of Govindas ISKCON Centre in Swansea
, Native Indian
'Rising Eagle', the Granthi
and members of the Guru Nanak Sikh
Community Centre and Temple in Swansea, Tibetan Buddhists, Pagans
, Hindus, Orthodox, Catholic
and Anglican Christians, Bahá'í's
, Sufi Muslims
, members of Swansea Orthodox Synagogue
, and Yungdrung Bön practitioners. Venerable Robert Williams Archdeacon
of Gower
represented the Archbishop of Canterbury
Rowan Williams
, and Lama Khyimsar Rinpoche, one of the patrons of Peace Mala, lead the opening ceremony. A candle for world peace was lit by Rinpoche and the Archdeacon. Prayers for peace and reconciliation were given by the representatives of all the faiths.
The Registered Office is currently used as a base for Peace Mala activities including workshops and public talks. Yungdrung Bön practitioners in Wales also use the centre for their weekly Bon Zogchen Ngon-Dro prayers and meditations. Yungdrung Bön (meaning Eternal Light or Enlightened Teaching) is the pre-Buddhist Bön faith of Tibet
. According to the booklet which accompanies every Peace Mala, Yungdrung Bon "promotes indiscriminate love and compassion for all sentient beings."
and prayer flags, a miniature Zen
-style stone garden, water features, and a tree area which has been blessed in a ceremony led by Witches
, and Druid
s. There is also a tranquil area facing Mecca
, which is dedicated to the Muslim faith
.
ate causes and human rights.
The organisation views the acceptance and celebration of the plural global community, along with its diversity, as one of high importance. Peace Mala works with youth groups, state schools and colleges, religious schools and inter-faith groups across the UK and further afield. The desire is to educate young people in particular and to encourage the growth of a more tolerant generation.
Peace Mala had outlined its "Main Aims" as:
The peace pilgrimage inspired Evans to compile a booklet of Peace Prayers, Mantras, and Noble Sayings of the spiritual traditions represented on the double rainbow Peace Mala bracelet. Copies of the booklet were received by religious leaders around the world including Pope Benedict XVI and His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.
The festival brought together Peace Mala with the Greater Manchester Authorities and representatives of local Faith and Peace groups to celebrate humanity, unity and diversity. Messages of support came from the First Minister of the Welsh Assembly Government, the Archbishop of Wales and the former Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Other support was shown by organisations including One World Week, The Interfaith Foundation, Spiritual England, Trafford CYPS and Redeeming Our Communities Manchester.
Many schools, cultural communities and representatives of faith communities took part. Guest of honour and main speaker was Terry Waite CBE.
Morriston
Morriston is a community in the City and County of Swansea, Wales and falls within the Morriston ward. Morriston is sometimes referred to as a distinct town , however Morriston never had a town charter, and is now part of the continuous urban area around Swansea, the centre of which lies three...
in Swansea
Swansea
Swansea is a coastal city and county in Wales. Swansea is in the historic county boundaries of Glamorgan. Situated on the sandy South West Wales coast, the county area includes the Gower Peninsula and the Lliw uplands...
, Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
dedicated to fostering inter-cultural and inter-faith tolerance through the manufacture, distribution and wearing of a symbolic mala
Japa mala
A Japa mala or mala is a set of beads commonly used by Hindus and Buddhists, usually made from 108 beads, though other numbers, usually divisible by 9, are also used. Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity...
(bracelet) whose beads represent various faiths.
The organisation's aims are "promotion of understanding, respect, friendship, tolerance and peace between all communities, cultures and enlightened, compassionate faiths". Peace Mala promotes global citizenship and invites all people to treat each other with respect and compassion regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexuality, ability, size or age.
The Peace Mala Bracelet
A Peace Mala is a symbolic bracelet used to promote the message of the Golden RuleEthic of reciprocity
The Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is a maxim, ethical code, or moralitythat essentially states either of the following:* : One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself....
of mutual respect recognised by many spiritual paths. It consists of 16 beads, forming a double rainbow, which represent Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
, Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
, Sikhism
Sikhism
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region, by Guru Nanak Dev and continued to progress with ten successive Sikh Gurus . It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world and one of the fastest-growing...
, Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
, Judaism
Judaism
Judaism ) is the "religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish people...
, Bahá'í
Bahá'í Faith
The Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh in 19th-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. There are an estimated five to six million Bahá'ís around the world in more than 200 countries and territories....
, ISKCON
International Society for Krishna Consciousness
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness , known colloquially as the Hare Krishna movement, is a Gaudiya Vaishnava religious organization. It was founded in 1966 in New York City by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada...
, Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of prophet Zoroaster and was formerly among the world's largest religions. It was probably founded some time before the 6th century BCE in Greater Iran.In Zoroastrianism, the Creator Ahura Mazda is all good, and no evil...
, Tribal and Native Religions
Folk religion
Folk religion consists of ethnic or regional religious customs under the umbrella of an organized religion, but outside of official doctrine and practices...
, Jainism
Jainism
Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state...
, Earth Religions
Earth religion
Earth religion is a New Age term used mostly in the context of Neopaganism.It is an umbrella phrase that is used to cover any religion that worships the Earth, Nature, or fertility gods and goddesses, such as the various forms of goddess worship or matriarchal religion. Some find a connection...
, Taoism
Taoism
Taoism refers to a philosophical or religious tradition in which the basic concept is to establish harmony with the Tao , which is the mechanism of everything that exists...
, Hinduism
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
and Yungdrung Bön. The central white bead represents the wearer and whatever path they follow, with two knots on the elastic thread: one symbolising the wearer's uniqueness, the other a reminder of causality
Causality
Causality is the relationship between an event and a second event , where the second event is understood as a consequence of the first....
and the path of peace and friendship to follow. Peace Malas, hand-made in Wales and protected by UK Design Registration No 3008422, are available in ready-made or kit form, and come in a monochrome variant and a hand-carved sterling silver bespoke version by the jewellers Mari Thomas and Nicola Palterman.
History
Peace Mala was founded in the year 2002 by Pam Evans, former Head of the Department of Religious Studies at Coedcae Comprehensive School in LlanelliLlanelli
Llanelli , the largest town in both the county of Carmarthenshire and the preserved county of Dyfed , Wales, sits on the Loughor estuary on the West Wales coast, approximately west-north-west of Swansea and south-east of the county town, Carmarthen. The town is famous for its proud rugby...
, Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire is a unitary authority in the south west of Wales and one of thirteen historic counties. It is the 3rd largest in Wales. Its three largest towns are Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford...
, Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
. The idea arose from class discussions about the contribution of the "9/11" attacks in New York to Islamaphobia, racism, religious intolerance and fundamentalism
Fundamentalism
Fundamentalism is strict adherence to specific theological doctrines usually understood as a reaction against Modernist theology. The term "fundamentalism" was originally coined by its supporters to describe a specific package of theological beliefs that developed into a movement within the...
worldwide, as well as local effects exemplified by the experience of the student Imran Sheikh: "I suffered from racist taunts and our local mosque
Mosque
A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. The word is likely to have entered the English language through French , from Portuguese , from Spanish , and from Berber , ultimately originating in — . The Arabic word masjid literally means a place of prostration...
was attacked following September 11 and that is when the Peace Mala all started." In 2005, Evans gave up her position as Head of Department at Coedcae School to focus on her work with Peace Mala. On 16 November 2006, (25th Shawwal 1427 AH
Islamic calendar
The Hijri calendar , also known as the Muslim calendar or Islamic calendar , is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 lunar months in a year of 354 or 355 days. It is used to date events in many Muslim countries , and used by Muslims everywhere to determine the proper day on which to celebrate Islamic...
), Pam was awarded the Noble Soul Award 2006 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to challenging Islamaphobia in schools. The award was presented by RAHMA (Racial Attacks and Harassment Monitoring Association) on the International Day of Peace.
Launch
Peace Mala was officially launched in the UNA Temple of PeaceTemple of Peace, Cardiff
The Welsh National Temple of Peace and Health, as known as the Temple of Peace, is a non-religious civic building in the civic centre of Cardiff, Wales. It was designed by the architect Sir Percy Thomas.-Location:...
in Cardiff
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for...
on Wednesday 27 November 2002 by the Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. In his role as head of the Anglican Communion, the archbishop leads the third largest group...
Rowan Williams
Rowan Williams
Rowan Douglas Williams FRSL, FBA, FLSW is an Anglican bishop, poet and theologian. He is the 104th and current Archbishop of Canterbury, Metropolitan of the Province of Canterbury and Primate of All England, offices he has held since early 2003.Williams was previously Bishop of Monmouth and...
(then Archbishop of Wales
Archbishop of Wales
The post of Archbishop of Wales was created in 1920 when the Church in Wales was separated from the Church of England , and disestablished...
). He was joined by members of the fourteen faiths represented on the Peace Mala bracelet, whose procession opened the ceremony, along with NGOs, students and teachers of schools from across Wales, lecturers from the University of Wales, and pupils and staff of Coedcae Comprehensive School.
Awards
Through the promotion of peace, tolerance and respect, Peace Mala has received numerous awards for their work, notably The Prince's TrustThe Prince's Trust
The Prince's Trust is a charity in the United Kingdom founded in 1976 by Charles, Prince of Wales to help young people. They run a range of training programmes, provide mentoring support and offer financial grants to build the confidence and motivation of disadvantaged young people...
Millennium Award in 2003, the Co-op
The Co-operative Group
The Co-operative Group Ltd. is a United Kingdom consumer cooperative with a diverse range of business interests. It is co-operatively run and owned by its members. It is the largest organisation of this type in the world, with over 5.5 million members, who all have a say in how the business is...
Community Dividend Award in 2003, the ChildLine
ChildLine
ChildLine is a free 24 hour counselling service for children and young people up to 18 in the UK provided by the NSPCC. ChildLine deals with any issue which causes distress or concern, common issues dealt with include child abuse, bullying, parental separation or divorce, pregnancy and substance...
Cymru CHIPS Friendship and Respect Award in 2003 (1st Prize), and the Carmarthenshire Police Community Challenge Award in 2004. In 2004 Peace Mala was also awarded First Prize in the CEWC-Cymru
CEWC-Cymru
CEWC-Cymru is an educational charity working with young people to promote active global citizenship in Wales....
"Right-On" National Competition to promote Human Rights in Welsh schools. In 2006, Peace Mala was awarded a grant by Awards for All (Wales) in support of the Peace Mala Awards for Youth.
Charitable Status
On 21 February 2007, Peace Mala, already a company limited by guaranteeCompany limited by guarantee
In British and Irish company law, a private company limited by guarantee is an alternative type of corporation used primarily for non-profit organisations that require legal personality. A guarantee company does not usually have a share capital or shareholders, but instead has members who act as...
and not having a share capital, was entered in the Central Register of Charities as Registered Charity No. 1118053.
Patrons
The Most Reverend Dr Rowan WilliamsRowan Williams
Rowan Douglas Williams FRSL, FBA, FLSW is an Anglican bishop, poet and theologian. He is the 104th and current Archbishop of Canterbury, Metropolitan of the Province of Canterbury and Primate of All England, offices he has held since early 2003.Williams was previously Bishop of Monmouth and...
Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. In his role as head of the Anglican Communion, the archbishop leads the third largest group...
was patron of Peace Mala from 2003 until 2008. He continues to be an enthusiastic supporter of the project. Lama Khemsar Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of the Yundrung Bön Study Centre is the current patron of the organisation.
Dr Rowan Williams
Dr Williams and Evans first met when he visited Coedcae School to give talks to the pupils about his work as Archbishop of Wales, a position now held by Barry MorganBarry Morgan
Barry Cennydd Morgan has been the Archbishop of the Church in Wales since 2003.-Early life:Morgan was born in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, Neath Port Talbot and studied history at University College, London and theology at Selwyn College, Cambridge...
. Dr Williams was one of the first persons to be contacted by Evans when she came up with the idea of the Peace Mala. One of Dr Williams final acts as Archbishop of Wales was to join 14 other religious dignitaries in the launch of the Peace Mala in November 2002.
In 2003, Evans asked Dr Williams if he would be a patron. He accepted the offer saying he would be "honoured" to hold the position.
Lama Khemsar Rinpoche
Lama Khemsar Rinpoche also visited Coedcae School prior to his involvement with Peace Mala. At the school he became known to the children as Smiling Lama. Rinpoche left TibetTibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
in 1959. He is the first resident Lama of the Yungdrung Bön tradition in Europe and also teaches widely in the USA.
Evans asked Lama Khemsar Rinpoche if he would be a patron of the organisation after a 21 day peace retreat he undertook in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
. He replied saying that he would be "very happy" to accept the position, valued the trust placed in him and that he would do his best to support the great vision of the Peace Mala.
Since then, Lama Khemsar Rinpoche's students have made use of the main room in the Peace Mala Registered Office for their weekly Bön Zogchen Ngöndro
Ngöndro
Ngöndro refers to the preliminary, preparatory or foundational 'practices' or 'disciplines' common to all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and also to Bön...
prayers and meditations. The Tibetan room at the centre is often used by Rinpoche when he visits Wales.
Website
The Peace Mala website was created in 2002 using money granted by the Princes Trust Millennium Award. It was designed and published using 100% solar powerSolar power
Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation, along with secondary solar-powered resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for most of the available...
by the web publishing company Arcania. The website includes news articles relating to Peace Mala activities and endorsements from prominent religious leaders, political dignitaries and celebrities including the His Holiness Pope John Paul II, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Jillian Evans
Jillian Evans
Jillian Evans is Plaid Cymru Member of the European Parliament for Wales and First Vice President of The Greens–European Free Alliance group - the fourth largest in the European Parliament...
MEP
Member of the European Parliament
A Member of the European Parliament is a person who has been elected to the European Parliament. The name of MEPs differ in different languages, with terms such as europarliamentarian or eurodeputy being common in Romance language-speaking areas.When the European Parliament was first established,...
, Sir Mark Tully
Mark Tully
Sir William "Mark" Tully, OBE is the former Chief of Bureau, BBC, New Delhi. He worked for BBC for a period of 30 years before resigning in July 1994. He held the position of Chief of Bureau, BBC, Delhi for 20 years. Since 1994 he has been working as a freelance journalist and broadcaster based in...
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Beth Nielsen Chapman is an American singer-songwriter, mostly known for her numerous hits recorded by country and pop music performers.-Early history:...
, Bonnie Tyler
Bonnie Tyler
Bonnie Tyler is a Welsh singer, most notable for her hits in the 1970s and 1980s including "It's a Heartache", "Holding Out for a Hero" and "Total Eclipse of the Heart".-Early life:...
and Barbara Dickson.
Disclaimer
During late 2007, a disclaimer appeared on the website indicating the group's neutrality, and political and religious disassociations. The disclaimer was signed by all the Directors of Peace Mala including Evans, Norma Glass MBE, Martin Green and Pam El-Hosaini.Peace Mala International Awards for Youth
In 2006 Peace Mala launched the Peace Mala Awards for Youth. The awards encourage young people "to become aware of and involved with issues of peace, justice, tolerance and friendship.". The competition focuses in issues of equality, human rights and global citizenship.The Youth Awards allows entrants from educational institutions, youth groups and faith groups. Two prizes are awarded. One for juniors (5-11)and the other for seniors (12-18).
In 2007, the Peace Mala Awards for Youth became an international competition with youth groups in the USA taking part in the project.
2006 Winners
Following a huge response from participants, Peace Mala decided to increase the deadline for competition entries. Many schools and youth groups sent in entries, but ultimately, it was decided that Ysgol Gynradd BrynamanBrynamman
Brynamman is a village sitting on the south facing side of the Black Mountain, part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The village is split in two into Upper Brynamman and Lower Brynamman by the River Amman which also acts as the boundary between the counties of Carmarthenshire and Neath Port...
(Brynaman Primary School) in Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire is a unitary authority in the south west of Wales and one of thirteen historic counties. It is the 3rd largest in Wales. Its three largest towns are Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford...
and Pontygof Primary School in Ebbw Vale
Ebbw Vale
Ebbw Vale is a town at the head of the valley formed by the Ebbw Fawr tributary of the Ebbw River, south Wales. It is the largest town and the administrative centre of Blaenau Gwent county borough...
would win the competition.
It was decided by the judges that these two entries were of such high calibre, as compared to senior entries, that both awards should be given to the junior entrants.
Highly Commended prizes were given to the Ethnic Youth Support Team in Swansea, the 1st Llansamlet
Llansamlet
Llansamlet is the name of an electoral ward and a coterminous community City and County of Swansea, Wales, UK. Llansamlet does not have a community council....
Brownies in Swansea and to Swansea College
Swansea College
Swansea College was a further education college in Swansea. It was one of the largest further education colleges in Wales with over 15,000 students and employing approximately 1,000 staff...
Ty Coch Campus.
As a surprise to the winners, commemorative framed posters signed by Gary Marlon Suson from the Ground Zero Museum Workshop in New York were given as gifts to Evans for the winners. Gary Marlon Suson was the official photographer appointed by New York Fire Department to be with the recovery workers at the site of Ground Zero after the attacks of September 11.
The awards ceremony included many acts included a Native American Hoop Dance
Native American Hoop Dance
Native American Hoop Dance is a form of storytelling dance incorporating anywhere from one to thirty hoops as props, which are used to create both static and dynamic shapes, or formations, representing various animals, shapes, and storytelling elements. It is generally performed by a solo dancer...
performed by First Nations descendant Malcolm Edwards (Rising Eagle), a performance of whirling by the Naqshbandi Haqqani-Mevlevi Dervishes led by Sheikh Ahmad Dede, songs performed by the Hemiola Young Musicians, and a song performed by Evans herself (under the pseudonym of Magic).
Registered Office
On Wednesday 18 August 2004, the Peace Mala Registered Office was officially opened during a ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor and Consort of the City of Swansea. They were joined by Stephen Thomas, Secretary of UNA Wales and Director of the Welsh Centre for International AffairsWelsh Centre for International Affairs
The Welsh Centre for International Affairs is Wales's national forum for the exchange of ideas on international issues and is based at the Temple of Peace, Cardiff.-External links:* * *...
, various NGOs and faith representatives who celebrated the achievements of Peace Mala since its launch in the Temple of Peace in Cardiff with the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams two years previously.
Faith representatives who attended included members of Govindas ISKCON Centre in Swansea
Swansea
Swansea is a coastal city and county in Wales. Swansea is in the historic county boundaries of Glamorgan. Situated on the sandy South West Wales coast, the county area includes the Gower Peninsula and the Lliw uplands...
, Native Indian
First Nations
First Nations is a term that collectively refers to various Aboriginal peoples in Canada who are neither Inuit nor Métis. There are currently over 630 recognised First Nations governments or bands spread across Canada, roughly half of which are in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. The...
'Rising Eagle', the Granthi
Granthi
Granthi is any person of either gender, who performs the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib at congregational occasions, however this task can be performed by any individual who is part of the congregation...
and members of the Guru Nanak Sikh
Sikh
A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism. It primarily originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. The term "Sikh" has its origin in Sanskrit term शिष्य , meaning "disciple, student" or शिक्ष , meaning "instruction"...
Community Centre and Temple in Swansea, Tibetan Buddhists, Pagans
Neopaganism
Neopaganism is an umbrella term used to identify a wide variety of modern religious movements, particularly those influenced by or claiming to be derived from the various pagan beliefs of pre-modern Europe...
, Hindus, Orthodox, Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
and Anglican Christians, Bahá'í's
Bahá'í Faith
The Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh in 19th-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. There are an estimated five to six million Bahá'ís around the world in more than 200 countries and territories....
, Sufi Muslims
Sufism
Sufism or ' is defined by its adherents as the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. A practitioner of this tradition is generally known as a '...
, members of Swansea Orthodox Synagogue
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism , is the approach to Judaism which adheres to the traditional interpretation and application of the laws and ethics of the Torah as legislated in the Talmudic texts by the Sanhedrin and subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the Gaonim, Rishonim, and...
, and Yungdrung Bön practitioners. Venerable Robert Williams Archdeacon
Archdeacon
An archdeacon is a senior clergy position in Anglicanism, Syrian Malabar Nasrani, Chaldean Catholic, and some other Christian denominations, above that of most clergy and below a bishop. In the High Middle Ages it was the most senior diocesan position below a bishop in the Roman Catholic Church...
of Gower
Gower (Lordship)
thumb|350px|right|Map of the Lordship, showing the area detached , the area added and the Town and Franchise of Swansea. The language boundary is shown as a dotted line....
represented the Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. In his role as head of the Anglican Communion, the archbishop leads the third largest group...
Rowan Williams
Rowan Williams
Rowan Douglas Williams FRSL, FBA, FLSW is an Anglican bishop, poet and theologian. He is the 104th and current Archbishop of Canterbury, Metropolitan of the Province of Canterbury and Primate of All England, offices he has held since early 2003.Williams was previously Bishop of Monmouth and...
, and Lama Khyimsar Rinpoche, one of the patrons of Peace Mala, lead the opening ceremony. A candle for world peace was lit by Rinpoche and the Archdeacon. Prayers for peace and reconciliation were given by the representatives of all the faiths.
The Registered Office is currently used as a base for Peace Mala activities including workshops and public talks. Yungdrung Bön practitioners in Wales also use the centre for their weekly Bon Zogchen Ngon-Dro prayers and meditations. Yungdrung Bön (meaning Eternal Light or Enlightened Teaching) is the pre-Buddhist Bön faith of Tibet
Tibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
. According to the booklet which accompanies every Peace Mala, Yungdrung Bon "promotes indiscriminate love and compassion for all sentient beings."
Peace Garden
Attached to the Registered Office is a peace garden designed for use as an area of peace and tranquility. The garden has many features including a shrine to Saint Francis of Assisi, Buddhist statuesBuddharupa
Buddharūpa is the Sanskrit and Pali term used in Buddhism for statues or models of the Buddha.-Commonalities:...
and prayer flags, a miniature Zen
Zen
Zen is a school of Mahāyāna Buddhism founded by the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma. The word Zen is from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word Chán , which in turn is derived from the Sanskrit word dhyāna, which can be approximately translated as "meditation" or "meditative state."Zen...
-style stone garden, water features, and a tree area which has been blessed in a ceremony led by Witches
Neopaganism
Neopaganism is an umbrella term used to identify a wide variety of modern religious movements, particularly those influenced by or claiming to be derived from the various pagan beliefs of pre-modern Europe...
, and Druid
Druid
A druid was a member of the priestly class in Britain, Ireland, and Gaul, and possibly other parts of Celtic western Europe, during the Iron Age....
s. There is also a tranquil area facing Mecca
Mecca
Mecca is a city in the Hijaz and the capital of Makkah province in Saudi Arabia. The city is located inland from Jeddah in a narrow valley at a height of above sea level...
, which is dedicated to the Muslim faith
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
.
Work
Peace Mala raises awareness of issues of global interdependence and encourages schools, youth groups and community groups to be involved in activities that support compassionCompassion
Compassion is a virtue — one in which the emotional capacities of empathy and sympathy are regarded as a part of love itself, and a cornerstone of greater social interconnection and humanism — foundational to the highest principles in philosophy, society, and personhood.There is an aspect of...
ate causes and human rights.
The organisation views the acceptance and celebration of the plural global community, along with its diversity, as one of high importance. Peace Mala works with youth groups, state schools and colleges, religious schools and inter-faith groups across the UK and further afield. The desire is to educate young people in particular and to encourage the growth of a more tolerant generation.
Peace Mala had outlined its "Main Aims" as:
- Education for global citizenship through the promotion of understanding, respect, friendship, tolerance and peace between all communities, cultures and enlightened, compassionate faiths.
- Peace Mala supports human rights, confronts bullying and all forms of prejudice.'
- Peace Mala raises awareness of issues of global interdependence and encourages active compassion by learners that will effect positive changes locally and globally.
Pilgrimage for World Peace
During Easter 2008, thirty-seven students from St. John-Lloyd Catholic Comprehensive School in Llanelli Wales UK, travelled to Rome, Florence and Assisi on a ten day Peace Mala Pilgrimage for World Peace. The journey, which combined art, prayers for peace and self-discovery, was recorded and made into a presentation which led to the school earning a Peace Mala Senior Award for the 2008 Youth Awards.The peace pilgrimage inspired Evans to compile a booklet of Peace Prayers, Mantras, and Noble Sayings of the spiritual traditions represented on the double rainbow Peace Mala bracelet. Copies of the booklet were received by religious leaders around the world including Pope Benedict XVI and His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.
Peace Mala Accreditation for Schools, Youth Groups and Community Groups
In September 2009 Peace Mala celebrated the last International Awards for Youth Ceremony. The Youth Awards have been replaced with a less competitive and more inclusive system of Peace Mala Accreditation for schools, youth groups and community groups. By including community groups in the accreditation process, Peace Mala is encouraging more engagement with adult groups in addition to its established work with schools and youth groups. By the end of 2010 four British schools and one community group had achieved Peace Mala Accreditation. Accreditation is awarded when seven areas of action have been completed successfully as outlined in the teacher, youth or community leader self assessment form available on the website. These seven areas are intended to fit into the school, youth group or community group's values system and are in line with the objectives and vision of Peace Mala. They include Global Citizenship and Community Cohesion, Human Rights and Dignity, Global Interdependence, Celebration of Diversity, Environmental Sustainability, Respect for all animals and wildlife and Peace Education.Recognising Achievement for Service to Wales
On 10 June 2010 the founder of Peace Mala was honoured with the Recognising Achievement for Service to Wales. This award was first introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government in 2009. The 2010 Award for Promoting Tolerance was carefully selected to mark the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II and the liberation of the death camps in Auschwitz and elsewhere. Evans received this honour from the First Minister Carwyn Jones AM in recognition of her work with Peace Mala and her positive stand against all forms of inequality and intolerance.Peace Mala Festival of Interfaith and Culture for Education
The Peace Mala Festival of Inter-Faith and Culture for Education was held at the award winning, beautifully restored setting of The Monastery Manchester in Gorton on 4 October 2010. The festival was organised by Laura Daniels, Head Teacher of Woodheys Primary School in Sale Cheshire, one of the first accredited schools in the UK. Daniels came on board as an educational ambassador for Peace Mala in 2008.The festival brought together Peace Mala with the Greater Manchester Authorities and representatives of local Faith and Peace groups to celebrate humanity, unity and diversity. Messages of support came from the First Minister of the Welsh Assembly Government, the Archbishop of Wales and the former Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Other support was shown by organisations including One World Week, The Interfaith Foundation, Spiritual England, Trafford CYPS and Redeeming Our Communities Manchester.
Many schools, cultural communities and representatives of faith communities took part. Guest of honour and main speaker was Terry Waite CBE.