Zimbabwe opens the way for inter-religious harmony and peace through dialogue of scriptures

"Discussing the unity of religions and how one can reconnect and understand God"

Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL Gives Keynote Speech at the 25th Anniversary of the Fall of Communism in Albania

HWPL is non-profit organizations to create sustainable solutions and empower individuals and communities to be an integral part in global peacebuilding.

Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL Gives Keynote Speech 

Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL Gives Keynote Speech at the  25th Anniversary of the Fall of Communism in Albania

25th Anniversary of the Fall of Communism’ was held in Tirana Sheraton Hotel

December 8th at 10 a.m., (local time), the ‘25th Anniversary of the Fall of Communism’ was held in Tirana Sheraton Hotel, celebrating the revolution in Central and Eastern Europe that led to the fall of communism in 1990 which was stirred by a youth movement. Hosted by President Nishani, the anniversary, considered the biggest commemoration in Albania, was attended by over 80 leaders in various fields including, former and current political leaders from all over Europe. Chairman Lee of HWPL, accompanied by Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), was invited to deliver a keynote speech.

Chairman Lee of HWPL

"Dear citizens of Albania, let us become messengers of peace and leave a legacy of peace to future generations by ceasing all wars on this earth. Through urging the implementation of the International Convention on the Renunciation and Cessation of Wars and International Armed Conflicts, let us make a peaceful world where we can also form a strong alliance of religions, moving the heart of individuals in search of peace amid struggles and persistent violence in the world.”

- Chairman Lee of HWPL

Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim of  IWPG 

“The collective wishes for peace and freedom moved all of Albania to transform the government’s structural hurdles and we now see the free Albania of today." 

"With Chairman Lee of  HWPL who has practical solutions to achieve world peace and the cessation of all wars, I have been traveling to unite the efforts of all 3.6 billion women on this planet to use their motherly love to make peace a reality. All female attendees present in this room, let us become one with the IWPG and establish peace together,” 

- Chairwoman Nam Hee Kim of  IWPG 

http://www.hwpl.kr/

A humanist journalist, Kim Young-Mi

     For those who want to have a career in the field of media, I want to ask you what kind of journalist do you want to be? Just shooting (writing) about something entertaining? Or report something that could influence the world in good ways? Here is a good role model of a good journalist: Kim Young-Mi. she is a Korean journalist who went to troubled regions for 15 years and reported about the life of citizens in that region. She said, “I wanted to let people know about the lives of the citizens who are the victims of the war, and make people feel this is not someone else’s business but it is our duty to help them.” she also experienced many revolutions such as the Egyptian Revolution, Yemeni revolution, and Syrian civil war. “The most interesting thing about these revolutions was women started the revolution. Of course in Islamic nations, women’s position is very low but it wasn’t the religion that made them move but was the children who had to starve. Seeing women’s protest, men then joined them for demonstration. Women’s mother’s mind was the fastest way to achieve peace. They became one with their mother’s heart in order to protect the lives.” She was deeply inspired by this and now lectures in the seminar about the way to achieve peace to the nation with the power of mother’s heart.

     In the public, she is famously known as a true journalist who helped to rescue the kidnapped people by the pirates of Somalia and never stopped reporting the realities of troubled regions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

     The peace advocate, Man-Hee Lee also said about the importance of the media and explained how media has the great power to influence the world. The media could change the world into peace but only the “true journalists” can. Now it’s your turn! What do you say? 

Photo Source:http://www.daqcasting.com/6310

                         http://www.sisapress.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=41253

A Song of Peace

 

     I believe that this song can enough remind us of peace. Yes, as this lyrics, peace could come to us with full of love and hope in near future. Then people all over the world will say like "we are the one transcending nationalities, religions and races".
     Hatred against each other and any of war should cease. Which just make worse troubles. To listen, understand and respect are what we should do at least.
If we are the those who dream of bringing peace, we need to be humble than anyone else and need to think through what we can do for peace.

     Man Hee Lee, who is a messanger of peace, is one of the those working hard for peace. Even his age is more than 80. He is telling ranging from regular citizens to a number of Prime ministers and Presidents  about a duty they should do if they are truly those who love their countries and people.

     What about singing this song dreaming of peace when you have dinner with family in the evening ? :)

Reference : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxidrVmwznU

Brother land Turkey, Ethiopia meets peace

     In the dawn of June 25th, 1950 the sound of the screaming and fear started in the Korea peninsula. This is the day when the Korea War started, and it is the day when The North and The South Korea were divided visible. After 30 years for colony from Japan, Korea independent on the 1945. Every Koreans was happy to be free again but this was not for so long. With the will of the citizen or not, because of the government families and friends became enemies to each other. It was a chaos all around. There were no more songs of joy or happiness, everyone was afraid even the soldiers. It was the fear losing family and friends, and also the nation. 

     But even in the worst situation, there was hope. The Korea War was not only the fight throughout Koreans. Many of the soldiers from the other countries helped this war to finish. Because this war was not about winning or losing, it was about to bring peace in this land as soon as possible.

     Among the brother countries the Korea had, Turkey sent many soldiers to the war. Even though the soldiers never met or knew the people of Korea before, but to help and save them, young youth sacrificed their lives to Korea. The youth could have lived a better life, if they were not in the war. Make a family with the person oneself loves and to have kids and see them grow.. this could have been the life to the young soldiers. Despite thinking about the future for themselves, the youth took chance to do a meaningful thing. Many of the Turk died that day and few survived.
 
 

 

 < Turk & Ethiopian who fought in the Korea War >

     The youth that who took part in the Korean War, now is the elders of the country. Who will remember their sacrifice and the great exploits? The past is the past but it is the history that has made who we are now. And we should never forget the memories that made us live in peace that we barely have now. There are some associations and people that try to remember the entire victim who has fought for Korea. But who is the one who really take the moves into action? 

     Then, here we get to meet Mr. Lee (Man Hee Lee) the peace leader. Above all the thing he has done or what position he is in now, far past 60 years before, he was also a soldier in the Korea War. Like with the others, he fought for his country to keep it safe. He fought with many other men including the foreigners who fought for Korea. During the war, friends and ones who were beside you died. This means that you can never see them again in this world. The bomb is blowing everywhere and people are fighting for their lives. Few have survived and few saw the results of the war. From the results we realize war is a thing that is far from peace, and all the sacrifice is the ones who were in it. War must not happen again because it makes a lot of damage physically or mentally. So Man Hee Lee knows the feeling because he was is there before. With the sorrow of losing a friend and family, Man Hee Lee maintains his opinion that the war must never happen again. This is not only about Korea, but also about this world. Man Hee Lee says, the youth who were sacrificed in the war are pity because they never got the chance to live their own life. Who is going to compensate their lives? Is this even possible with anything in the world? Yes. Even if you have all the money in the world, still you can't make a man live again. Like this, life and this path is important than any other thing in this world. This is why Mr. Lee is shouting for peace, and this is why he is making this happen. A place without war or tears.

     During Mr. Lee's peace travel around the world, he has visited Ethiopia and Turkey. Despite with his busy schedule, he had made time to meet the veterans of the Korean War. There he has shown great appreciation to the veterans of the War and understood their sorrow as well. This is peace, and this is gratitude for the men of national merit. The important thing is the true mind of understanding and respecting others. Also this has to come with action also. Who is the real leader of peace? And what can we do to help this happen?

 < Man Hee Lee meets the Ethiopian veterans of the Korea War >

 

 

Photo Source:
mannamvictory.blogspot.comhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ethiopian_soldiers_Korea1951.JPG
http://www.ataa.org/press/ATAA-Honors-Korean-War-Veterans.html

War veterans whom shall be remembered for eternity

     Today is a Korean Memorial Day (Koreans simply call this day, “625”). And for the commemorating this day, I want to share a short poem with you. The poem is etched in stone at a Korean War Veteran’s Memorial in the Liberty State Park, New Jersey. 

We didn’t do much talking,

We didn’t raise a fuss.

But Korea really happened

So please - remember us.

We all just did our duty

But we didn’t win or lose.

A victory was denied us

But we didn’t get to choose.

We all roasted in the summer

In winter, we damn near froze.

Walking back from near the Yalu

With our blackened frozen toes.

Like the surf the Chinese kept coming

With their bugles in the night.

We fired into their masses

Praying for the morning light.

All of us just had to be there

And so many of us died.

But now we’re all but half forgotten

No one remembers how we tried.

We grow fewer with the years now

And we still don’t raise a fuss.

But Korea really happened

So please - remember us.

                  -written by. Roberto J. Prinselaar

     I learned that during Korean War, over 1,000,000 soldiers from 21 UN countries including Australia were involved in the war. I didn’t know so many countries were involved in this war! Not only the Korean War veterans but we also need to remember and be grateful to the soldiers who sacrificed to protect the nations. 

     Chairman Man-Hee Lee was also a Korean War veteran, and to borrow his words, “Why is young life thrown away without having had a chance to bloom because of war?” It was not their will to fight but the politicians’. Then why not politicians fight but send the young men to fight for them? The war should be never exists in this universe, even the word! We should be the ones who have to bring peace to the future generation and remember those who died in the battle fields. 

Reference: http://generalmacarthurshonorguard.com/Korean_War_Poem.php

All our wishes on ‘The Palm of Peace’

     The National Palace of Guatemala is the most important building and was the headquarters of the President of Guatemala. But now, it became the national museum and the origin of all the roads in the Republic.

     Inside the palace, there is a famous statue called ‘Palm of Peace.’ The statue is built where the the government signed to end the 36 years of malicious civil war.
In Guatemala, white rose is a symbol of peace. To celebrate another day of peace and for the everlasting peace, at 11:30 am, the Army honor Guard changes white rose that has been placed on a monument with a new rose. The old rose (symbolizes 24 hours of peace) is given to a guest of the country in a ceremony.

     Many guests from around the world visit to place the rose in the statue. In 2007, President Bush laid the rose in the peace statue and in 2011, the UN secretary general Ban-Ki Moon was the first Korean who placed the rose in the statue. And this year, another special guest from Korea visited the National Palace. It was the active peace advocate Chairman Man-Hee Lee. Even though he is a leader of a mere private organization, people of Guatemala deeply honored his activities towards world peace and thanked him. Chairman Lee laid a white rose in the Palm of Peace.

     When I saw the picture of him laying the flower, my heart was overwhelmed because it looked like he was laying the wishes of the people. Wishes of world peace! The two hands that are raised sincerely towards the sky seemed like a prayer of those who are suffering from the ruthless war. Hope all our wishes come true!

Reference: http://www.delange.org/Guat1/Guat1.htm
Photo source: http://www.spyghana.com/mr-man-hee-lee-laid-white-rose-palm-peace/

Guatemala, finally met the peace advocate!

      Do you remember from the last posting about the Mayans? I found an interesting fact from my friend from Guatemala that more than half of Guatemalans are the descendants of the Mayans! Some of them preserve the life style of Maya-wear traditional dress and speak indigenous language. The rest of the Guatemalans are Ladinos, mixed Maya-Spanish ancestry).

     Guatemala, the meaning of its name is the “land of tree.” It is where the most populous nation in Central America. Like the meaning of its name, it is heavily fostered and mountainous country. 

     Guatemala has been dreaming about peace in the world for a long time. In the presidential palace, there is a statue called “Palm of Peace.” It is the world’s famous statue which the presidents, politicians, and celebrities from around the world visit and lay the flower in the statue. In 2011, the UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon was the first Korean citizen to lay the flower in the statue. But this time, the world peace activist Man-Hee Lee visited Guatemala and was invited to the Presidential Palace and laid the flower. It is surprising that a mere private volunteer organization could do all the peace activities for the universe! If I was a president, I would give him all the best awards and honor him as the state guest. Chairman Lee is the one who has done things that presidents or politicians couldn’t do. I hope his work continues until the world peace comes true. 

Reference:http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/guatemala-facts/

Photo source:http://guatemala-thebook.com/

The consideration for peace

     Respecting is an easy and also a hard thing to do. I didn’t know Ramadan or about Muslim when my friend said that she is Islam. Or why the Jews wear black. But once I got to know other religions and the meaning for the people who believe, I got to know how much it means to the ones who respects. It may look unusual for others, but all kinds of the thing that people cares means much for them. Not only the religion, but also even others things are the same. It can be culture, nation or other field of study. There is no right or wrong, everything has a reason to be respected and to be considered. If it is not like this, how can we expect others to understand me?

     There is a peace leader who is doing this peace work all around the world. Despite of the culture and the adaptation to the country, this man respects every one of the thing around the world. He is Man Hee Lee the peace advocate. To the places where he goes, he is like the local person who lives in that area. Even with the food or the different circumstances, he accepts it as it is. Recently Man Hee Lee went to the United States and the land of passion and sun, Mexico. He makes a speech for others about peace. Many of the people who want to follow Mr. Lee’s peace movement gathers to listen. But not with his only thoughts, Mr. Lee really respects the listeners and the people who see. To the leaders of the religion, he makes a speech about religion and the things that they have to consider. To the teachers and students of the university, he speaks about education and the future which they make. And to the leaders of the politics, and to the public figures, he speaks about peace and what they have to do to achieve it. The important thing that we have to see is that, Man Hee Lee, the peace leader respects all the people even though they are in a different shape. What matters is the sincere mind and heart for others. By specking and listening in the other people’s way, it is much easier to understand them and to motivate them. But this doesn’t mean that he only say what is good for them. He speaks for the truth and the right way people have to be. But always in the last conclusion, Man Hee Lee talks about peace and how to make it happen.

     Understanding and making people one is not an easy thing to do. But if people come to a same goal and the same heart things can change and become a better place. A peace world.

Mayans, the peace lovers

     What do you know about Maya? The Maya civilization is known world-wide but not a lot of people know about the details.

     Maya is a Mesoamerican civilization which was established during 2000BC to 250AD. They had fully developed written language, art, architecture, and mathematical and astronomical systems. Many people knew that calendar, writing, and epigraphy is originated in Maya but their civilization developed them. Maya influence is detected in Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and western El Salvador. Mayans did not conquest other countries but exchanged their culture by trade. From this, I think that the Mayans are peaceful citizens and advanced country where people possess gentle behavior.

     The Mayans were collapsed by the Spanish in 16^th century, but still there are many Mayans survived until now. Some Mayans still maintain their own culture such as clothing, religion, and language. They have their own pride for being the Mayans. Even though they lost their country, they never lose the mind of ‘peace-loving,’ so when a true peace leader, Man-Hee Lee visited them, they give him a grand welcome. The leaders of the Mayans willingly signed a peace agreement and expressed their desire for world peace.

     Even in a difficult situation, 14 million Mayans were delighted to work for the world peace. We must look after them, their broad mind-caring others not only oneself-and think what we can do for this world. 

Reference:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_civilization

Photo source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_civilization

Man-Hee Lee, on documentary film

     Chairman Lee is now a famous peace advocate world-wide. He is still actively participating in peace activities traveling through around the world. Nowadays, he is meeting many presidents and ex-presidents, politicians, and religious leaders to have them sign the peace agreement. Anyone who has met him highly appreciates about what he did in Mindanao and what he is doing now. 

     A famous French photographer, one of those who were deeply moved by his works, tried to make his interview into a documentary. Actually, he was making the film by interviewing different types of people from all over the world and people from the poorest to the richest, from commoners to the famous celebrities. Then he bumped into Chairman Lee and luckily had a chance to interview him. While interviewing Chairman Lee, he was impressed by his answers and teachings so a 30minute-interview got extended to an hour. Even for a single person, Chairman Lee answers to the questions sincerely. From his behavior, I also can see how people were greatly impressed because he does not speak peace only by the word, but he shows a modest attitude and respectful behavior to others no matter who that person is. I think this is what a true peace activist has to be! 

     By next year, the documentary film will be screened in the United Nations general assembly. I think it will be a great lesson to not only the leaders of UN but also for us. We need to be a person who truly loves the world and peace.

Photo Source: http://player.mashpedia.com/player.php?q=o8nQfvN2s6k

http://www.greenstore.ma/blog/evenement/yann-arthus-bertrand-des-forets-et-des-hommes-140

The Incan leaders met the peace advocate Lee

     How much do you know about the Inca Empire? The Inca is located in Peru. It was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The Inca civilization arose from the highlands of Peru in the early 13^th century and was conquered by the Spanish in 1572.

     The Inca referred to their empire as "The Four Regions" or "The Four United Provinces." Most of them believe in Inti which is the sun god and they consider their king, Sapa Inca, as “the child of the sun.” Also, the Incans were peace-lovers who put a lot of effort in order to make a peaceful assimilation to the western South America, but it did not work out very well. However, recently, the Incan leaders who are the representatives of 14million Incans met the peace advocate Man-Hee Lee and heard about his peace activities. Until now, Chairman Lee is working to end all the war in the world and meeting presidents and religious leaders to have them sign the peace agreement. Everyone who had met him was stunned by his work because no one has ever made sacrifice this much, plus his age is 83! But he is so energetic and enthusiastic about his work. My grand-parents (actually most of the grand-parents) are in similar age, but they don’t have passion and just want to relax for the rest of their life time. The Incan leaders, too, signed the peace agreement and joined to work with him for world peace. I have a good feeling that world peace will soon be in reality. It will come to fruition very quickly.

 

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca_Empire#Population

Photo source: http://discoverperufx.blogspot.kr/2012/08/the-inca-empire.html

http://birdsofawriter.blogspot.kr/2011/08/interesting-facts-incas-are-more-alike.html

Peace activist, Chairman Lee's idea of peace

     These days, I hear many heart-breaking news. About a month ago, in Korea, more than 200 people were drowned in the sea and they were mostly young teenagers! Everyone was shocked because the captain and some of the attendants just ran away for their lives. Recently, in Nigeria, 300 school girls were kidnapped by the terrorists. People are urging to have peace in this universe. No one wants to hear these kinds of news anymore! We need a hero who can bring a peace to this world.

     From the days of grief, I have begun to get interest in peace activities. Then I found the most active peace advocate, Man-Hee Lee. He is getting the entire spotlight from the media. Recently, he got awarded by Mexican government. On that day, 15 different main broad cast station and press compete to cover Chairman Lee’s story.

     Chairman Lee marked, “like the meaning of the name of Mexico and Veracruz, I believe that peace and blessings will soon be in this land. In order to make world peace in reality, all the leaders and the citizens and people should work together in one accord with modesty and honesty.” He also reiterated, “The real peace is of course including end of war and world being peaceful and harmonious and justice is implanted in the world so that no corruption exist. Therefore, we must not rest to send the message of peace until all people are filled with full of peace and blessing in their hearts. And so that suffering and sadness should be gone in their minds.”

     The reporters who heard his message were deeply touched and praised his works. They all wished the best for Chairman Lee’s peace activities. It is amazing how one man with an age 83 doing all this work! I was also greatly moved. 

Peace Advocate Man Hee Lee received the award in Mexico

Peace Advocate Man Hee Lee received the award in Mexico

Mexico is the 13th largest independent nation in the world and also the  5th largest country in the Americas by its total area. Active peace activist Man Hee Lee made his way to Mexico on his 10th World Peace Tour.
 

National flag of Mexico

Peace advocate Chairman Lee who put an end to the 40 years long conflicts in Mindanao Island in Philippines, received the award at Vera Cruz Palace. This award was given by the mayor of Vera Cruz Ramon poo gil.

Chairman Man Hee Lee received the award by Meixcan government

It has been only a month after Chairman Man Hee Lee received the award from Guatemala government. Again on May 1st 2014, Mexican government expressed their gratitude on Man Hee Lee, Chairman and founder of the peace organization HWPL.

Based on the information published on article, the peace seminar and peace walk led by Chairman Man Hee Lee gave positive inspiration to both Mexican government and local citizens. The peace seminar and peace walk was took place in on last year, November 2013.

Reknown politicians and religious leaders gathered together to celebrate the award ceremony. Espeically 15 local Mexican broadcasting stations also attended the cermoney to boradcast this event.

Man-Hee Lee at ICD conference

     You might be wondering about ICD. The full title is the 'Institute of Cultural Diplomacy.' It is a course of actions, which are based on and utilize the exchange of ideas, values, traditions and other aspects of culture of identity, whether to strengthen relationships, enhance socio-cultural cooperation or promote national interests; It can be practiced by either the public sector, private sector or civil society. 

     In this globalized world, people from around the world can easily contact each other by mass communication technology. ICD tried to make peace in reality by influencing the "Global Public Opinion" and ideology of individuals, communities, cultures or nations. They found out 5 principles which will bring peace and stability: 

1.Respect & Recognition of Cultural Diversity & Heritage

2.Global Intercultural dialogue

3.Justice, equality & interdependence

4.The protection of international human rights

5.Global peace & stability

     Even they have practiced for centuries, peace is still not fostering throughout the world. However, they have met the man who has the answer for world peace. The peace advocate, Mah-Hee Lee attended the ICD conference in Italy and made a speech about the peace material. By his powerful speech, everyone in the conference room even reporters were amazed by his works and they all promised to be the peace emissaries. 

Reference: http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/index.php?en_culturaldiplomacy
Photo Source: http://player.mashpedia.com/player.php?q=2D1ho7V1qdM

“Pass on the peace" Peace Treaty in Peru

“Pass on the peace" Peace Treaty in Peru   



Since 2012, Mr. Man hee Lee has been travelling world meeting with global leaders in both secular and religious circles. He already has led peace agreement between Philippine government and Muslim rebel group in the past 40 years up to put an end to the civil war. 

Inca leaders of Peru and Man-hee Lee singed a peace treaty.

 In his 9th trip, he held talks with Peru leaders. Man-hee Lee peace activists led to 14 million during the Inca people of Peru tour leaders and signed a peace treaty making joint effort. Women leaders in Lima, Peru,  Marisol Espinoza Vice president discussed world peace with him.

Live News in Lima, Peru, RBC Television Channel 11 reported Man-hee Lee moves to world peace every day showing interest in his trip.

An official with his trip said that heads of State from around the world were bedazzled by his authentic words and signed peace agreement to make peace with him. Through painful experience of Man-hee Lee a veteran of Korean War, he became a peace activist.

Mr. Lee's vision of peace is for the agreement to be signed by representatives of all cultures, religions, ethnic groups and governments in the world. The purpose of his life is passing on the peace for next generation. 

UN Chief Ban: South Sudan Rival leaders to attend Peace Talks

UN Chief Ban: South Sudan Rival leaders to attend Peace Talks

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said that South Sudan’s rebel chief has agreed to direct peace talks, hours after the UN leader arrived in South Sudan to demand an end to a brutal civil war.

Rebels and government have forced battle for control of a key oil town in the nearly five-month-old conflict.

Rebel leader Riek Macher responded positively that he will be in Addis Ababa for the meeting in time, but he said he will try best because he is now in very remote area.

Ban said he expects Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to facilitate a dialogue between Macher and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.

President Kiir has expressed his willingness to meet with Macher in Addis.

Thousands of people have been killed since mid-December in violence stemming from a power dispute between the two leaders.

“The country’s leaders must close the wounds they have opened. They must support justice and accountability for crimes committed,” Ban said.

Reference: http://www.voanews.com/content/un-chief-in-south-sudan-for-talks-with-kiir-civilians/1908431.html

How important is the role of arbitrator in here? Chief Ban knows well about the aftermath and the horror of the war from his country. So he might want to prevent unnecessary bloodshed by pulling off conversation.

  

Man Hee Lee, peace advocate also has been acting as mediator in the international community. Recently, he contributed to make peace agreement between religious leaders of two different religions: Catholic and Islam.

Man Hee Lee is asking international community for agreement signing the end of the war in their laws. I'm expecting all over the world sign to their law 'the end of the war'. 

A Korean War veteran, Man-Hee Lee

     Korea was a nation where is divided by South and North after the independence in 1945. The North got a military support from the Soviet Union and reinforced the military. On July 25^th 1950, the North Korean army ambushed South Korea. It was a tragic fratricidal war for Koreans. The situation was totally unfavorable for South Korea, but the UN supported South Korea and sent armies. 16 countries including US sent the army. South Korea had a narrow escape and got back some of the region of the Amnok river. However, the war continued for over 3 years. In this war, many young people even students attended as soldiers and sacrificed. Chairman Lee was also a Korean War veteran. He was at the front line of the battle and experienced the bitterness of war, so he made himself a promise to end all the war in the world and stop the sacrifice of young men; and became a peace activist. He erected a memorial stone of declaration of Korea unification at the Unification Observatory and in Imjingak. Every year, he celebrated the Memorial Day in June 25^th and prays for the repose of the soul of the victims. He is a true patriot and a peace lover. He never stops peace activity and service to the nation.

<The memorial stone of the Declaration of Korea Unification>

Buddha’s peace theory

   

<Siddhartha Gautama>

     Since today is the celebration of Buddha’s Day (May 6^th), I want to share about the origin of Buddhism. Buddhism was started by Siddhartha Gautama, a prince of Kabila kingdom, about 3,500 years ago. Back then, the ancient society was formed by caste system. Siddhartha has seen lots of unfair situations such as rankism, rich-poor gap, and corruption. He questioned himself what is the true happiness in life? How can people be free from suffering and find eternal happiness? Even though he was a prince, he was just a human who also wondered about the way to live in peace like us. He tried to find the answers and left home. He began to practice his asceticism and became Buddha, meaning "awakened one" or "the enlightened one." Gautama taught a Middle Way between sensual indulgence and the severe asceticism found in the Sramana(renunciation) movement common in his region. He believed that the “emptiness” in our mind brings a true happiness because suffering started from obsession, if people want to get rid of obsession they need to get rid of their wants. 

     Then, according to Buddha’s teaching, let’s see how war started. It is not the soldiers who started the war; it was always started from the bosses who fight for their profit. So eventually, “wants” were the main reason that brought suffering. In some part, I agree. It is our desire that makes us unhappy for many times. But is it possible for people to not wanting something? Then, what is the solution for ending the war? It is impossible to stop the war by stopping the opponents by force. According to a peace advocate Man-Hee Lee, most wars happened between religions. Even terrors were mostly from religious conflict. So, the religions need to be in reconciliation and respect other religions.

Photo source:http://www.faithinterface.com.au/apologetics/happiness-buddha-vs-jesus
Reference:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha

What is stronger than nuclear weapon?

What is stronger than nuclear weapon?

I’ve never seen such a passionate old man in peace movement. How could he visit all over the world and encourage people for his age? My grandmother is over 80years like Man Hee Lee but she can’t move very well.

What Man Hee Lee is doing makes me think a lot. How much are you doing in your efforts for meaningful work like bringing about peace as a youth? He entered Mindanao in Philippines which is still battle was going on without gun. My Filipino friend said she also didn’t expect that peace to come in Mindanao. The leader of Catholicism and Islam signed the peace agreement for ending the war and achieving World Peace with Chairman Man Hee Lee of peace advocate.

What I’ve always wanted to do was protect the global beautiful nature and environment. But, when I thought of that, if there’s no more war, environmental disruption will decrease. If we make the world a peaceful place, environmental disruption for selfish indiscriminate development will decrease. PEACE is economy, policy and reality.

One of his words moved my heart. What is stronger than nuclear weapon? The hearts of people who try to achieve peace in the world will be stronger than nuclear weapon. It’s clear that he is a peace advocate we need.  

He also asked journalists about their important mission. Every international media has to report about peace to achieve it fast. In an effort to do so, I‘m blogging about peace.  

Only those who have gone through the ravages of war know how precious peace is. It's like only those who have gone through communism know how precious democracy is. We should never forget how precious peace is. Let's have a mind to achieve peace which is stronger than nuclear weapon!