The courage, clarity and informed nature to follow "The Path of Disarmament" contrasts greatly with the silence or contrary advocacy by political leaders of today's major military states. This group invites commentary from any and all perspectives . . .

The courage, clarity and informed nature to follow "The Path of Disarmament" contrasts greatly with the silence or contrary advocacy by political leaders of today's major military states. This group invites commentary from any and all perspectives on ways that will "lead us out of our internal wilderness and allow us to live together happily, the way humanity has always dreamed of."

Soka Gakkai International (SGI, a lay Buddhist world peace organization), President, Daisaku Ikeda has published a book entitled, "For the Sake of Peace" in which he invites us to a "dialogue" on seven paths to peace. This is the starting point for this present group's field of engagement. Mr. Ikeda takes the position that "peace cannot be a mere stillness, a quiet interlude between wars. It must be a vital and energetic arena of life-activity, won through our own volitional, proactive efforts."

Daisaku Ikeda proposes the following seven paths to global harmony: the path of self-mastery, the path of dialogue and tolerance, the path of community, the path of culture, the path of nations, the path of global awareness, and the path of disarmament. Ikeda also identifies various "Barriers to Peace". These are suggested as follows: isolationism, the illusion of "efficiency", greed, poverty, environmental irresponsibility, and nuclear negativity. He talks about how we can prepare for peace and describes the seven paths listed above.

The Preamble of the UNESCO Constitution reads in part: "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed." Mr. Ikeda concludes "For the Sake of Peace" with this short and powerful paragraph: "The human spirit is endowed with the ability to transform even the most difficult circumstances, creating value and ever richer meaning. When each person brings this limitless spiritual capacity to full flower, and when ordinary citizens unite in a commitment to positive change, a culture of peace – a century of life – will come into being."

This group, for the sake of peace, is a forum where we can bring and share our views, others' views and all commentary and/or pictures that may move us to explore ways in which peace may be brought about. All topics related to the subject of peace will be welcomed and showcased. I look forward to the inspirational kind of discussions that can make a genuine contribution to the cause of world peace. Let the dialogues begin!!