Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Peace Revolution start?
The Peace Revolution began in the spring of 2008 when a group of people got together to discuss the possibility of starting a worldwide organization based on learning techniques that encourage inner peace. The theory is that a person who learns to have inner peace will project that inner peace to the world, which leads directly to World Peace. This is done, One Person At A Time!
Who had the original idea of starting the Peace Revolution?
The original idea came from the Abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Luang Phaw Dhammajayo. Please see the founder's biography.
What is the goal of the Peace Revolution?
World Peace. And from that, Sustainable Peace. The theory is that a person who learns to have inner peace will project that inner peace to the world, and that will lead to World Peace. This is done One Person At A Time!
Is there any religious connection to the Peace Revolution?
Yes and No. "YES" in the sense that the meditation sessions are lead by Buddhist monks from Wat Phra Dhammakaya, but "NO" because you do not have to be any particular religion in order to practice or benefit from obtaining inner peace.
What is meditation?
Meditation is inner peace! Although it is defined as "contemplation" or "reflection", meditation helps you de-stress, thereby enjoying a more peaceful life style.
What types of meditation are there?
There are many types of meditation and different meditations are called by different names depending on the area where it was "discovered" or who is teaching it.
What is the difference between types of meditation?
Generally, there is "outside" meditation and "inside" meditation: "outside" meditation focuses on meditating on an external object whereas "inside" meditation focuses on a one-pointed concentration within the body.
Why should we use meditation as a tool to find inner peace?
There are not many ways to find inner peace that are also beneficial to the rest of your body and mind! To use anything external would probably NOT be a good idea, but to use a natural calming influence, such as meditation, is not only good for your body and your mind, but also your psyche.
If I am already happy and peaceful, why do I need to meditate?
HM! Good question! Of course, it depends on the answer to "Are you REALLY happy ... and are you really peaceful inside of yourself, with yourself?" There are so many Benefits to Meditation including physical benefits (reduces stress, etc.), psychological, and spiritual.
Is there a relationship between our inner feelings and the outside world?
Yes, there is. When you are feeling at peace with yourself, you become a happier person. When you project that inner feeling and peace into the world, then the people around you change and become happier themselves. Many times, they will even ask you: "What are you doing to yourself to be so happy!?" Then you will be able to say: "I am meditating! Do you want to learn how?" And then you can share your own experience with them!
Is everyone's meditation experience the same?
No. But there are certain levels that people reach, that may appear to be the same. For example, many people see "light" and have a deep sense of calmness and happiness. But there are also many levels and differences that happen to you on your inner peace journey. Just relax and enjoy the ride! And the key to success is to not expect ANYTHING to happen!
If my meditation experience is different from others, am I doing something wrong?
Absolutely not. If you are following the meditation instructions, and not deviating from them, then you should feel absolutely comfortable with the results you get - even if they are different from your friends or colleagues who also meditate.
If I don't feel like meditating, should I meditate anyway?
Uh...yes. Meditation requires practice and discipline...like any exercise. First, you should probably TRY to meditate. Then, if you find it impossible to do so, then you should get up and walk around for a few moments and try again. If that does not work, then you should probably walk away and come back at a later time - like in an hour or two.
What effect will meditating daily have on my life?
Way too many to even mention in this space. Check on Benefits to Meditation. The effects include physical, psychological, and spiritual.
Can I have "inner peace time" anyway?
Absolutely! You can catch inner peace time anywhere. It just takes a calm (sabai) outlook, and a cool mind. One of the exercises you will have (called "homeworks") will be to find inner peace for at least one minute of every hour. So that means, when you are eating your lunch (just stop and take a moment to reflect on your inner calm), or exercising (smile...and think about relaxing during stress), or work (take a moment to breathe deeply and close your eyes). All of these are ways to find the time to include inner peace into your daily schedule. Check out the 10 Homeworks!
What is the purpose of the "daily resolutions"?
The Daily Resolutions help you to re-commit yourself to seeking perfection for yourself. SO, if you want to improve, make yourself a "resolution" and commit yourself it to it for the day.
What is a meditation retreat?
A meditation retreat is also called a "Peace Revolution Retreat" because it accomplishes the same thing - inner peace! This is a time (usually several days) in which you are taught the meditation techniques and allowed to practice those technique in a peaceful environment. You will also be with meditation experts who will be able to answer all of your questions - a great opportunity to learn more! You can check out the 2009 Pilot Project Success and see what the peace rebels thought about the retreat.
Why is this project only for the ages of 21 to 30?
The project is really for everyone - everyone can be a rebel. However, the conference is geared to younger people who are just starting out their careers. We hope that we can share our knowledge of "inner peace" with them in order to produce the changes necessary for the world to change from one of hostility to "differences" to one of acceptance of those differences.
If I am older or younger than that, can I still join the Peace Revolution?
You can join the Peace Revolution at any time and at any age. The Benefits to Meditation are ageless...and many of the benefits are for "older" people who have medical problems such as arthritis, heart disease, and stress-related diseases, but it also helps younger people who are experiencing problems with eating disorders, sleeping disorders, or skin problems!
What is a "paradigm shift'?
A paradigm shift is a change in thinking...a BIG change in thinking. This might include the environment, or the economy, or it might be cultural and ethnic. The Peace Revolution wants to change the thinking of the world: from rejection to inclusion: everyone working together to build a better world in which to live.
What is Special Ops?
Special Ops is a program that encourages you to develop a project for yourself, where you live, to help out people within your community. These projects could include: starting a meditation group, teaching other about the benefits of meditation, academic tutoring, starting a special athletic club for youth, helping out in an elderly community, etc.
Is Special Ops compulsory?
Special Ops is compulsory only if you want to apply for the agency. Otherwise, you certainly can do one if you like and join the competition each month for the Special Ops Medal of Honor.
What is the selection process?
The selection process is only for the people who apply to the fellowship program. If you are between the ages of 21 - 30, complete all of the meditation journals and the self-investigation/self-development program, along with doing a Special Ops, you will be eligible to compete for a fellowship. A committee from the Peace Revolution will meet to determine who will be awarded the fellowships. Notification of the fellowships will be e-mailed to the recipients in December of 2009.
When will I know if I have been selected?
You will be notified of the fellowship awards in December 2009 both by e-mail and through the website.
How do I find other peace rebels in my own country?
Through the Peace Rebel Hub Network.
Can other peace rebels do projects with me?
Of course! It may be a bit difficult to coordinate your activities, but you are welcome to connect with other peace rebels and join together for a cooperative activity.
What is the difference between a peace rebel, a peace agent, and a peace coach?
A Peace Rebel is anyone who wants to join in on the activities with the Peace Revolution...just visit our site, and meditate - you are already a Rebel! A Peace Agent is someone who has either been to a conference, or who will be participating in the 2010 Conference. A Peace Coach is someone with lots of meditation experience, who has been through the self-development program and who is willing to help you out in your own pursuit of finding inner peace.
Where can I give you my suggestions?
On the Home Page there is a "Contact HQ" menu. Just go to there and we will be happy to hear from you!
How can I contact people at the Peace Revolution?
Just click on to Contact HQ button on the Home Page!
How can I send a message to my coach?
Once you are going through the program, you will be assigned a "region" (which, by the way, are divided into six areas of the world) and then you will be able to get online with one of the coaches to ask them questions.
How can I send a message to other rebels?
On the Home Page you will see a Tab for Peace Rebels where you can enter on that page and Blog other Rebels under their Profile Page.
