Symbol of peace and unity

MONTROSE — Tears, smiles and hugs were in surplus along the banks of Chipeta Lake during the dedication of the Montrose Peace Pole.

About 70 people gathered around a symbol of peace on sacred ground once occupied by the Ute people Saturday morning.

The dedication started with three cultures bound with the pride of their heritage. Roland McCook of the Ute Tribe and CJ Brafford, director of the Ute Indian Museum, led the way in tradition dress along the path to the pole near Chipeta Lake. Following was Tibetan monk Geshe Phuntsok and the Montrose High School NJROTC Color Guard.

There are more than 200,000 Peace Poles standing in 180 counties around the world. Its mission is to stand and remind people to be at peace with the environment and its people, McCook said. That despite politics and governments, differences in religion and cultures, there is a common desire for peace.

The pole bears the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” in eight languages — English, Ute, Spanish, French, Chinese, Swahili, Maori and Tibetan — representing the heritage of the community and “all the lands on earth.”

Friday, before the pole was placed in the ground, there was a blessing ceremony of the land.

Buried under the pole is a time capsule with the proclamation that Oct. 20, 2007 is a day of unity and peace on the Western Slope — a day to share the universal wish that peace prevail on earth. Also in the capsule are copies of Peace Stamps designed by children of the community. Those children were honored guests at the event and placed flowers under the pole during the dedication.

“It actually says peace with the environment, peace with the land in which we live,” McCook said, explaining the meaning of the Ute words written on the pole.

“It faces east. That is where the sun rises, where the day begins.”

Phuntsok also spoke and thanked Americans for all they have done for his people. A new member to the community, Phuntsok came to Montrose in May to be the spiritual director of Asanga Institute and new Buddhist Meditation Center.

He said he hopes the pole becomes a place for people in time of happiness or sadness to get “peace energy.”

The pole was sponsored by The Community for Spiritual Awareness and inspired by Dalai Lama receiving the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush, said Arlyn Macdonald, minister of The Community for Spiritual Awareness.

She said the group’s mission is to bring awareness.

“We are all here together, all on the same path, though we may take a different way,” she said.

The dedication also involved a blessing of the attendees by McCook and a peace song by “Jandriel,” a musician and member of The Community for Spiritual Awareness.

The crowd sang along to “Peace through Love,” some holding hands, others with tears.

The weekend of unity and peace continues today with the viewing of “10 Questions for the Dalai Lama.” The movie starts at 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in Montrose. Macdonald said tickets cost $10 and seating is limited. The film will also show in Delta at 1 p.m.

For more information on The Community for Spiritual Awareness visit www.spiritaware.org.