Hovea, Australia
report by Elaine and John Bowkett
Another delightful SOPP was held in the peaceful bush setting of Universal Great Brotherhood’s Hovea Ashram near Perth, Western Australia. About 30 people took part in the event.
There was a certain ‘magic’ in the air, created by the powerful energy from the handmade flags recently gifted to us in Western Australia through Jenny Funston (Oceania Coordinator for Byakko Shinko Kai) and friends of May Peace Prevail in Australia in Victoria. The delight generated on receiving this gift still radiates in our hearts.
To assist in creating this magic was the energy of Ros Gregg, Byakko International Teacher, generated through a small honouring and display of the Chinook Blessing that she introduced to the participants of Jenny’s weekly online sessions.
The weather was beautiful, which gave us the opportunity to enjoy the natural environment and the sounds of nature, revelling in the beauty of the day.
The program was both informative and entertaining, with the main presentations being a Peace Crane origami folding workshop facilitated by Ruth Smith, a very experienced teacher of Japanese who, in response to a strong demand, is presenting a second workshop in a few weeks’ time; a pre-recorded World Peace Meditation commentary presented by BK Maureen, Brahma Kumaris Perth Centre coordinator; a very informative and well-presented presentation on ‘World Unity and Peace – A Baha’i Perspective’ by Amir Abadi, Baha’i Community of Stirling; a chanted Islamic peace prayer and reading from the Koran by Islamic Scholar Sheikh Muhammad, with English translation by Sister Rabia; a reflection by our host Manita, from the Universal Great Brotherhood—a sharing of the significance of the World Unity and flag ceremony together with some insights into the skill, love and dedication that goes into the creation of the handmade flags.
Our official program ended with a climate/peace focused sing along with live music, once again presented by the talented Ken Patterson, Siggy Schopp and Al Riebau. From the sound of the participants’ voices singing along, it would seem that all enjoyed this very much! We extend our thanks and gratitude to all those who participated in this year’s event.