We began the day with idyllic running in Prince Edward Island.
Some runners went out two at a time.
Jayashri of New York soaks up the tranquility of the countryside on her run.
We arrived at the Great Wisdom Buddhist Institute.
We were invited into their prayer hall where The Venerable Sabrina led us in some songs and chants for peace. The sonorous singing of the nuns was inwardly and outwardly beautiful.
For one of the songs, a large bell was struck between verses.
The chime of the bell Sung high and low To the heavens Down to the depths
Bless Canada With peace and prosperity To all the people With longevity
The chant "Om Mani Padme Hum" was played as we walked together in a prayerful peace walk.
We stopped for a group photo in front of the stupa.
The Abbess recieved the Peace Torch at the end of our walk.
We passed around the Peace Torch for each person to make their prayer for world peace.
Getting up on a ladder to capture the best angle for one final group shot.
It started to rain lightly just as we sang them some songs, we ended with an ancient mantra "Buddham Saranam Gacchami" which had been set to music by Sri Chinmoy.
They generously offered us hats as well as incredible homemade cookies, juice and tea.
We will carry this special meeting in our hearts as we continue down the road.
The rainy weather definitely didn't faze Sulabha, our runner from Vancouver.
Our next stop was Morell Consolidated School.
This school stood out for us as every single grade did something to prepare for the Peace Run! Grade 1 made these paper torches!
The ceremony began with a poetic land acknowledgment read out by these three students.
Grades 3-6 sang us The World Harmony Run song, led by music teacher Zachary Bernard on the keyboard.
Then we taught them the actions that go along with the song, which was very joyful as usual!
For a moment, we put our hands on our hearts to feel peace inside.
The teachers enjoyed the silence as well.
Oliveria got some help from the Grade 2 class teaching the motto "Peace Begins with Me".
The skits are always a really fun time!
The teacher relay is always a favourite part of the ceremony!
Principal Michaela Oliver was presented with the Certificate of Appreciation. We really do appreciate how much preparation all of the classes did for our visit!
These three students had done a lot of research and read out their findings about the historical background of the Peace Run and the founder, Sri Chinmoy.
Grade 4 created some really nice artwork.
Then we headed outside with the torch!
Some students ran around holding the torch.
The torch was passed.
Michael shared his poetry with us:
Girl or boy woman or man, piece by piece, I know we all can! It was an idea that started with Sri, and just so you know, it won't end with me!
Collecting all the torches.
We made a big peace sign in the school yard!
Some of our photographers went on the roof to capture it.
Ulugbek, our team member from Uzbekistan was so moved by running in the PEI landscape that he composed a series of poems:
beautiful spring along the the Confederation Trail we simply run
after a short rain across blossoming meadows horses graze in peace
every day on the island so sweet it melts the heart like favourite ice cream
far far away at the sunlit edge of the water a boat between sky and sea
The red sand beaches are very striking!
While waiting for the ferry back to Nova Scotia, we were fortunate to meet Kathy who told us all about the ferry and allowed us to come for a close-up look and photo shoot.
She even let some of our team members take a ride with her.
Waiting for the boat...
Sulabha was blown away!
More friendly workers from Northumerland Ferries came and joined our photo and held the torch.
"Peace-oceans Definitely have Bliss-islands."
-Sri Chinmoy
