Monks without Borders New years's News Bulletin

Subject: New Year's News Bulletin

YEAR IN REVIEW & THE WORK AHEAD

2009 was an amazing year for Monks Without Borders. The idea behind our organization, in its infancy, was to build a movement that would preserve, respect and revere all of the World's Faiths, to encourage dialogue among various religious/spiritual communities (which includes various types of "non-believers"), and to use the sacred lessons taught in these various faiths to create a more just, compassionate, sustainable world. In other words, we wanted to help create a World that works for Everyone.

Our goals are wide in scope, ranging from building a Museum of World's Religions to feeding hearts, minds and, of course, stomachs, from our own neighborhoods to the furthest corners of the globe. As 2009 comes to an end, we've not only implemented many of those ideas, but we have come to birth many more, all sharing a common thread; a desire to spread unconditional love.

This year has taught us that a compelling vision can lead to compassionate, direct action, when hearts and minds align and begin to work together. The more time passes, the more this vision of a world that works for everyone continues to grow from a utopian idea to an impending reality.

At Monks Without Borders, we know it will take a multi-leveled, multi-tiered, multimedia approach, as we continue to engage, not just the global interfaith community, but the general public and the world at large. The task at hand is enormous, as there are populations in distress, people that need feeding, war permeating every corner of the Earth and the rising tide of religious violence.

This is a time for those of us who are so inclined to present our gift of love and compassion; to not just dream or envision but to CREATE a world that works for everyone. We know what we signed up for and it is our blessing to shoulder this burden, side by side, heart in heart and hand in hand.


PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS

Monks Without Borders has just retunred from participating in one of the largest interfaith conferences in the history of the world, the Parliament of The World's Religions. The event was held in Melbourne, Australia, and it presented an opportunity to not only address many worldwide leaders and activists, but also a chance to see a bit more of this sacred landscape we call Earth.

The conference, itself, was absolutely wonderful. From morning until night, a magnificent variety of spiritual practices, workshops, lectures, and group activities were offered. Monks Without Borders' Executive Director, Zach Perlman, gave a 30 minute presentation introducing the aims of Monks Without Borders, with an emphasis on the ambition to build a Museum of Religion in the United States.

All in all, it was a fun and productive trip which included a lot of learning, a lot of joy, and the blessing of many more new friends and associates. It was an enormous blessing and we're already counting down the minutes to the next Parlaiment in 2014. If you're interested, event photos and video clips can be viewed on the Parliament's website at: http://www.facebook.com/l/822b0;www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=8&sn=16


PEACE AMBASSADORS WANTED

We've completely upgraded our FREE online peace studies course and will be officially relaunching it February 1st.

Designed for young adults and aspiring peace ambassadors, the curriculum for this course is comprised of famous speeches and essays by historical giants such as Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and world famous Zen Master and Peace Activist, Thich Nhat Hanh.

First,the course gives you a historical overview nonviolence, including when and why its application is effective. Next, you will see how, what has become known and reffered to as "the Golden Rule," spans nearly all religious traditions throughout human history. As you progress in the lessons, you will learn axioms of nonviolence, how vision is often more important than sight, and that human nature is not inherently violent. You'll also learn about the innermost thoughts of famous peace activists, about the duty of civil disobedience, and that peace is, indeed, every step.

The Peace Ambassador Course is an opportunity for you to become part of the great chain of peacemakers that extends across time.
Check it out at http://www.facebook.com/l/822b0;www.PeaceCourse.org


GLOBAL COMMUNITY PORTAL

Many of our facebook, myspace friends, chapter members, and friends around the world have been asking for a central place to talk and share information with one another. To meet this need we've created our very own online community portal at: http://www.facebook.com/l/822b0;www.mwbNetwork.ning.com

The site allows you to share links, photos, videos, prayers, and notes with everyone in the Monks Without Borders network. It only takes 3 minutes to join the network and it's an excellent way to keep in touch and stay connected. Bless us with your presence and sign-up here: http://www.facebook.com/l/822b0;www.mwbNetwork.ning.com


THANK YOU

We thank all of you who have played a part, no matter how large or small, in helping to coordinate and implement these various efforts and programs in 2009. We are so profoundly grateful for the blessing of your involvement, your contributions and for the continuous influx of your love and support. We look forward to a magnificent 2010. If you feel moved or inspired to make a financial contribution, you can make a tax deductible donation here: http://www.facebook.com/l/822b0;www.monkswithoutborders.org/donate.html


Infinite Blessings from all of us at Monks Without Borders.