Biography of
Nicholas Roerich
About CPC
The Center for Peace through Culture is a unique organization with new concepts on how to achieve peace.
There are organizations that look at peace in terms of ending conflict and working on how that can happen. CPC approaches peace more psychologically. We understand that the peace process begins with the individual.
If a person has achieved peace within then that person will in his or her behavior make others want to have that same quality, so the process begins with the individual, then expands on to settle any disputes in a community in order to achieve a peaceful environment. A community that has achieved cooperation within the community is also an example on how this can be achieved elsewhere. This concept extends beyond the community and broadens itself by conveying the means to finding peace to others.
We also work with the concept of bringing all cultures to a place of cooperation and understanding of the differences that have in the past separated them, honoring those differences and deepening the understanding of how all human beings have the same needs and values.
The people of different cultures all desire to live in peace. Unfortunately, it is the radical fanatical factors of cultures and religions that cause destruction. It is important for the masses of cultures to stand up and fight against these extreme groups in order to find peace in their own lives.
We also work to educate children to discover and accept others who are different from themselves. Peace can only happen through education starting with the young and continuing to all adults.
When someone has hate for anyone it not only causes chaos but it also establishes barriers to peaceful co-existence. Our purpose is to uncover and work to break down those barriers and establish freedom for all people.
We are 501(c)(3) donor-supported organization.
How We Define Peace
Historically, peace has been defined as the absence of armed hostilities or the interval between wars. At this time in history, humanity is being challenged to radically alter its perceptions and actions.
John F. Kennedy once said, "There is no single, simple key to this peace—no grand or magic formula to be adopted by one or two powers. Genuine peace must be the product of many nations, the sum of many acts. It must be dynamic, not static, changing to meet the challenge of each new generation. For peace is a process—a way of solving problems."
It applies equally to our selves, our families, our communities, our natural environment, and our international relations. Peace building includes any activity that fosters cooperation among human beings and reduces barriers that separate nations, groups and individuals.
Obstacles to Peace
A peace-builder must recognize the innate longing of the human spirit for peace, as well as the less developed aspects of human nature that create obstacles to peace. These obstacles manifest in the world as acts of prejudice, racism, and hatred. They destroy unity, instill fear through terrorism and attempt to suppress the human spirit.
A psychology of peace addresses belief systems as a major root cause of these obstacles and works to transform the darker aspects of human nature into a force for good.
Culture as a Lasting Force for Peace
As the walls of these belief systems come down, we are able to see others with new eyes. As we learn more about each other through art, music, dance, philosophy and science we can transcend boundaries of nationality, race and beliefs. Through shared cultural values of beauty, truth, and harmony we understand one another simply because we are human. In the broadest sense, culture is the creative spirit that unites humanity.
Our Activities
CPC offers methods to explore personal and social paths to peace and to assist individuals, groups and communities who support these goals.
• Greenagers
• Special Events
• Workshops
• Community Dialogues
• Educational initiatives
• Psychological research
• Promotion of cooperative communities
• An interactive web site
• Publications
The Center for Peace through Culture is a 501(c)(3) donor-supported organization. All contributions are tax-deductible.
The CPC Logo
Our logo originates from the Nicholas Roerich Banner of Peace. Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947), a world-renowned artist, philosopher, archeologist and statesman, saw culture as the cultivation of inner light, the source of creativity within us all. Whether the product of our creative imagination is a handcrafted bowl, a symphony, a cure for disease, a beautiful environment, a poem or an improved relationship, the process is the same. We tap into an invisible part of ourselves that lifts us beyond life's ordinary routines into the realm that inspires culture and links us to one another.
The three circles in our logo represent art, science, and religion of all cultures co-existing in beauty, truth, and harmony.
Poem
Peace - A Reflection on The International Day Of Peace
The center for peace is not at The Hague in the Netherlands,
Nor is it at the U.N. in New York City.
The center for peace is situated in the middle of our chests deep inside of our hearts.
Do you feel it sometimes?
Peace is not just a state of mind, although it is worth being mindful of.
Peace is also a state of action.
It is showing someone a little piece of the best of themselves.
It is taking a deep breath instead of reacting.
It is believing that someone else's truth is worthy of consideration.
It is doing something for others without an expectation of material or ego gain.
It is running to something and embracing it; instead of running away from something and fearing it.
It is being gracious during moments of incivility.
It is the self-exploration of our fears and anxieties.
It is knowing when something is worth fighting for because the fight is right.
It is continuing to have faith that we can change and grow.
It is warriorship in the most loving sense.
Peace is all of this and so much more.
What does peace mean to you?
Steve Small, 9/21/09
The Vermont Studio Center offers a CPC Fellowship for a two-week artist's or writer's residency award.
Peace building includes any activity that fosters cooperation among human beings and reduces barriers between nations, groups and individuals.
Great literature, music and art, knowledge of our universe and our selves, spiritual traditions that reveal the meaning of life and teach us higher values, belong to us all.
Through shared values of beauty, truth, and harmony we understand one another simply because we are human.