Edinburgh's first World Peace Tree, Wednesday 8th September 2010

Edinburgh Peace Tree Planting Ceremony

Edinburgh experienced a unique and historical event this morning. In keeping with the United Nations Declaration of the 21st September as International Peace Day, Edinburgh had its first WORLD PEACE TREE planted by His Holiness Vishwaguru Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda Ji in the presence of a truly international audience. People from as far as Australia, Canada, America, South Africa, India, Austria, Slovakia, Hungry, Czech Republic, Croatia, Poland, Germany, France, England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland participated in the event at London Road Gardens, near Greenside Parish Church.

Dignitaries came from the social, political and spiritual world and included Councillor Stefan Tymkewycz, representing the Right Honourable George Grubb, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh; Reverend Andrew Anderson, vicar of the Greenside Parish Church; Mr IP Larka and Mr PK Yadav, Consuls representing the Indian Consulate General of Edinburgh; Councillor Deidre Brock, representing the council ward of Leith Walk; Sri Joshi Ji, chairman of the Edinburgh Hindu Mandir.

Gifting this tree to the people of Edinburgh and people of the world, His Holiness Swami Ji blessed it with everlasting powers. He initiated the tree with ancient mantras, including the peace mantra. It is intended that people will find peace and inner calmness by the tree and a plaque has been installed to indicate its presence. His Holiness Swami Ji declared, “If people go near the tree, touch it or pray there, their wish will be fulfilled”.

On the 21st September, International Peace Day, a special event will be held at Maha Prabhu Deep Yoga Ashram, 2 Montgomery Street Lane, in Edinburgh (0131 629 9895) at 7pm, where anyone can attend in the spirit of peace and unity between all. Participants are requested to bring a candle for an informal ceremony of a candlelight vigil with universal prayers for peace.