New England Peace Pagoda

The arising of the Leverett Peace Pagoda has been unique in the history of Nipponzan Myohoji Peace Pagodas world-wide. This is the first time that a Peace Pagoda has actually grown from the full energy and efforts of the local community. The minds and hearts of the monks and nuns seem to have met our own receptive, open and awaiting hearts, creating a joint vision of peace, non-violence and respect for the sacredness of all life.

The spirit at the work site has consistently been one of enthusiasm, great coopertion and loving-kindness. Involvement with the community in whatever form it takes for each indiviual, draws out the purity and basic goodness within that person. The heart is lifted as a result of working in an atmosphere that crystallizes people’s desire for peace, where harmony and prayer are practiced in all aspects of daily life.

The building of the Peace Pagoda is a process as much as it is a result. Indeed, if the structure could have been commerically built in weeks instead of months and years, al that is significant would be lost. It is the process of engagment that changes hearts, providing the tests of challenge and commitment that bring forth transformation.

A community, or “sangha,” has taken hold here on our rocky New England mountain top. It is full of love, based on compassion for all beings, and sure in its knowledge that true peace is rooted in the world’s great spirtiual traditions. This community is the human manifestation of the outer form of the Peace Pagoda.

“To offer one’s heart and hands for this effort, joining many others, is a precious opporutnity. One’s energies are dedicated in harmony with others, for the goal of world peace. In the redeeming light of such selfless action, our daily work sows the seeds of purification-within ourselves and the sake of the world.”