August 8, 1997, at 10:30 p.m. EDT, people in all parts of the world will participate in a ceremony which includes an 8-minute meditation for healing. This Ceremony for the Beginning of the End of Disease is endorsed by an impressive list of physicians, educators, activists and spiritual leaders, and is expected to draw more than a million people together to meditate, pray and communicate about the possibility of easing human suffering.
"Something powerful happens when any disease occurs. The compassion of the people dealing with the disease is suddenly ignited," says Randy Balbes, co-founder of the Tonglen Foundation, the events sponsor. "Thats the gift that disease gives us, and that spark of compassion is the source of all healing. The ceremony honors that spark, and focused on the hope that someday we can live in a state of compassion that isnt triggered by disease or loss."
AIDS organizations throughout the world will be using the Ceremony as a fundraising vehicle, and religious and spiritual organizations, gay and lesbian groups, and other health organizations worldwide will be gathering to observe simple ritual.
"Weve written a ceremony to be distributed to anyone interested in participating," says Balbes. The Ceremony itself involves 8 people in a circle, who will follow 8 simple steps. For more information on participating by creating your own circle please contact either Randy Balbes at (805) 969-0713, or Terri Mandell (818) 980-0212, or check out the Tonglen web site: http://www.tonglen.com.
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7/25/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.