“A true man of peace”
His Highness, Malietoa Tanumafili II, has been described by the visiting International Ambassador for Peace, Sri Chinmoy, as “simple, kind-hearted and a true man of peace”.
In Apia on 21 December Malietoa Tanumafili II, Head of State of Western Samoa, offered his warm welcome to Samoa to International Ambassador of Peace Sri Chinmoy during a private interview at his official residence.
The spiritual leader, who is visiting Samoa from 20 December to 29 December, with more than 150 students from 25 nations, praised the Head of State, stating, “I have met with many leaders from many countries, but none as simple, as kind-hearted, as pure or as self giving as you. You are a true man of peace.”
To Sri Chinmoy, Malietoa responded: “I believe that you, Sri Chinmoy, are the one who is bringing peace to earth.” Sri Chinmoy is a leading proponent of global peace by fostering peace within individuals of all nationalities and faiths, and by initiating a wide variety of ongoing grassroots activities.
During their meeting, Sri Chinmoy presented the Head of State with the “Lighting [Lifting] Up the World with a Oneness-Heart” Award for the Samoan leader’s dedicated service to his people and to the world at large. This award has been presented to heads of state, Nobel laureates and other eminent world servers for their unique contributions to humanity.
After receiving the medallion, the Head of State lovingly placed it upon his head, as he described to Sri Chinmoy the Samoan Custom “when one receives very sacred gifts.”
During their meeting the two men held aloft the Peace Torch of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, a relay run for global harmony and peace which spans more than 80 nations and involves millions of citizens and world leaders every two years.
During his stay in Samoa, Sri Chinmoy will offer two Peace Concerts for the public on December 22 and 28 at 8.00pm at the John Williams Building free of charge.
During the programmes he will perform his own peace filled compositions on 15-20 instruments from around the world.
Students of Sri Chinmoy offered free classes on meditation for people of all faiths and walks of life on 23 December at 7.30pm at St. Mary’s Primary School Savalalo and on 27 December at 7.30pm at the Marist School at Mulivai.
“When we meditate,” explained Sri Chinmoy, “we make the mind calm, tranquil and full of peace.” He added, “Let us first have individual peace. From individual peace we will have collective peace.”
Caption:
Mr Sri Chinmoy and Malietoa Tanumafili II
Published on pages 1 & 2, in the Samoa Observer, Friday, 24 December 1993