On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, the Shaolin Temple of Canada had the honor of hosting The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, a global torch relay team dedicated to promoting international friendship and understanding. The Peace Run, founded in 1987 by spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy, involves participants carrying a flaming torch as a symbol of peace, passing it hand-to-hand across countries and continents.

At approximately 1:30 pm, 18 enthusiastic and dedicated runners arrived at the Shaolin Temple of Canada, where they were warmly greeted by Master Yandi and Master Yanyan. The international team came from various corners of the world, including Germany, Brazil, Poland, the United States, Romania, Canada, and more. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and a shared sense of purpose as the peace runners gathered to engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas and cultural values.

During their two-hour visit, the peace runners had the opportunity to sit with Master Yandi and gain insights into the mutual goals of peace and harmony that both the Peace Run and the Shaolin Temple strive to achieve. Master Yandi held and blessed the peace torch, offering his heartfelt wishes for the runners’ continued safe and meaningful journey. This blessing ceremony was a deeply moving moment, symbolizing the shared commitment to spreading peace and unity around the world.

The peace runners also performed two heartfelt songs for Master Yandi, celebrating the spirit of unity and the universal aspiration for peace. In return, Master Yandi served the runners traditional Shaolin health tea, showcasing the temple’s warm hospitality and emphasizing the importance of health and well-being.

Master Yandi shared the rich history of the Shaolin Temple and the essence of Shaolin culture, highlighting the temple’s dedication to the principles of peace and harmony. This cultural exchange underscored the profound connection between the teachings of the Shaolin Temple and the mission of the Peace Run, resonating deeply with the runners and the temple’s community.

The visit concluded with a group meditation and prayer session, where participants reflected on their shared aspirations for a more peaceful and harmonious world. This moment of collective reflection and spiritual connection encapsulated the essence of the day’s events, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, held every two years, emphasizes the importance of peace, unity, and harmony among people of all nations. The event has engaged millions of participants, including athletes, celebrities, and public figures, and has traversed more than 140 countries, spreading its message of peace and oneness throughout the world.

For more information about the Peace Run and its mission, visit www.peacerun.org.