So, here we go.
On June 20, Eva called and asked if I was interested in visiting her at the college she was attending, for summer school; The European University Center for Peace Studies, in Stadschlaining, Austria. They welcome visitors and she was happy to accommodate a roommate for the week. I asked her if there were any programs she recommended highly enough, to warrant the trip. While I welcomed the opportunity to see the countryside, I was still quite protective of my time here in Budapest. I was not too interested in leaving anytime soon! She informed me that they were all good, but that beginning on Monday, June 24th, one of the founders of the program would be providing the instruction. “He is controversial” she warned, “but quite intelligent.” Not one to shy away from “heavy-weights”, actually quite attracted to them, my interest had been piqued and with my readiness intact, I started packing. Just two days and a three hour train trip away, and I would be there.
Sunday afternoon I set out for the train station, which actually was quite an experience. Hungarians are not any more enthusiastic about speaking English, than the French. That is not to say they are unwilling, especially if they have any interest in our language. I am sure that as a predominantly English speaking country, we in the USA could be experienced similarly. Here, though they are burdened with the expectation that they speak at least some English! The Hungarians have been told what they should do, for a very long time. I take no offense to any indignation they may carry. And, finding someone that was able to help me in purchasing a train ticket, in order to get to a town I had not a clue as to how to pronounce, was a real challenge. Somehow, with a piece of paper in hand, with my destination written in my very best hand writing, I achieved my goal, and onto the train I went. Later discovering that I had actually purchased a one way ticket, rather than the round trip one I had intended. Oh well, I was well on my way. 
Eva and her new friends from Africa greeted me at the train station. First, off to the grocery store, to shop for the week. Yikes, still an overwhelming experience, with so many unidentifiable labels. This was clearly going to be a fruit and vegetable week, with lots of salads. And then, onto the college, some 30 km down the road. During the 40 minute ride, I sat in the back seat with two of the woman. One was a Sister from Uganda, and the other a mediator from Zimbabwe.
They were quite eager to respond to my infinite curiosities, regarding life in their countries. The Sister works in an orphanage, taking care of children who have lost their parents to warfare. The other woman works in a reconciliation program. I asked about the HIV epidemic in Africa, and was told that it is in fact on the decline and that the biggest health concern today is malaria. I was touched by the conversation and felt an ongoing connection with them, thru out the week.
The train station was actually in Hungary, so that we had to cross the Austrian border in order to get to the college. . Crossing into Austria, the concrete barbed-wired border remains, lifeless and unpatrolled. I found myself thinking of the street artists, imaging what a great place this would be for them to declare themselves and celebrate their independence. Finally, after arriving, unpacking our groceries into a ‘filled to the brim’ refrigerator shared by 5 students, getting situated in the room and washing up, it was time to go to bed. There was a big week ahead.
I am now going to move forward to the journal entries I have written since returning home to Budapest. They actually begin a couple of days after returning from Austria and with great enthusiasm I write;
“Back, after one of the most exhilarating weeks of my life! It has been two days since returning to Budapest and I am still reeling from the experience. I have put off writing, in hopes that all that I took in would somehow calm down and I would find the means of sharing the fullness of the experience in a coherent manner. And yet as the days unfold, I remain as stimulated as the days before.”
-so, onto the week that was; and into the classroom with Professor Johan Galtung, self identified as the resource person, rather than teacher. From Oslo Norway. Prof. Galtung is considered to be one of the founding figures in the academic discipline of Peace Studies, having written and published an infinite number of articles and books on the subject. For over the past 50 years, he has taught in Universities and meditated conflict throughout the world. (for more http://www.rightlivelihood.org/galtung.html ) In addition to his illustrious academic career and vast range of experiences, as a long time practitioner of Buddhism, his understanding of peace runs deep. I found the combination of his fine intellect and expansive consciousness quite frankly, mind blowing. Thru-out the entire week, I felt to be in the presence of a great being, with the capacity and willingness to share deeply and compassionately the full range of his knowledge and wisdom. Never before has my mind and all of its interests concerning global issues been addressed so fully. And my heart burst open from the rich and overflowing generosity of this peace maker.
Having committed my life to more fully comprehending my divine nature, I have for the most part, overlooked the realities of this world, in which I live. And while harboring a desire for greater understanding of the rich complexities within it, it has seem to have alluded me.
As a traveler, I find my greatest sense of meaning in the journey. . It is here that I experience the fullness of life. It is here that magic happens. It is when traveling that I come face to face with life. It is when traveling that I connect with my larger self, and I love it. Even in the midst of the languages barriers, even in the midst of learning new territory and all of the awkwardness’s that come with it, I feel most alive in this place, out on the edge.
So here I am in Dr. Galtungs’ classroom, in the presence of 40 some students from all over the world, traveling with them into their homelands of Ireland, England, France, Italy, Norway, Austria, Japan, Afghanistan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Turkey, Albania, Canada, USA, Australia, addressing specific conflicts. What an incredible journey , as each student spoke of situations in their own country, situations that are touching them and their loved ones, quite personally. 
Galtung discussed deep culture and deep structure, as major contributing factors in the wide range of conflict as it manifests. I had planned to share so much more about this theory, but have decided not to, other than to say that the "Manifest Destiny" that we as Americans hold firm to, appears to contribute greatly to our own deep culture. Unexplored, wrecking havoc.
He began his career as a peacemaker at the age of 12, when he witnessed his father being taken away to a Nazi concentration camp. Throughout his fathers’ incarceration, he continually encouraged the other detainees that the war would soon end and that they would eventually be freed. When asked what made him so sure, he replied,” because Hitler does not know when to stop. His insatiable hunger for power would be his demise." An aspect of deep culture that continues to create great violence, personally and globally. Prof. Galtungs' father did survive the holocaust, unlike millions less fortunate.
In Johans late teens, as an activist, he spent 6 months in jail, after insisting that his social service, in lieu of military service, be done in the area of peace works. From then on he has committed his life to civic duty in pursuit of peace. His commitment runs deep and thorough.
For four full days, we roamed the world, moving from the depths of genetics to the human psyche into social and cultural beliefs and values to the far reaching manifestations of acts of violence and into the means in which to reconcile the past, embrace a more peaceful presence and cultivate a more life supporting future. Quite a vast range of territory we covered. No wonder my mind was blown and my heart was overwhelmed with enthusiasm which comes with greaeter understanding and hope.
As one would expect, he had quite a good bit to say of the US Empire, as he called it. He and his wife have lived in the United States a good bit, continuing to have a residence there. And while he is able to recognize the contributions that the USA does have to offer the world, he is quite confident that we are rapidly moving towards our own demise which according to him has been in the making for quite some time. And while Evil Empire was not part of his vernacular he made it perfectly clear just how misguided he believes the US government to be, particularly in its international relations. I, along with the other US patriots present, did our very best, not to take it personally, while the question continued to roam around in our minds as to what it is that we can do to participate in the intervention of such narcissistic, irresponsible behavior as demonstrated by our own government. Our government which is causing so much strife for individuals thru out the world. Howard Zinn doe a nice job of describing the US Empire in this little video: http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20258.htm
I think I will stop here as my journey continues to unfold and I wish to stay current.
The classes at the EUPS are held in the Schlaining Castle, which dates back to 1271. In 1982 it became the home of the Institute for Peace Research. In 1987 the Peace University was created. Together the two programs presence in the castle reflects a commitment of moving from a "place of power and war, to the nurturing of a consciousness of peace". Once referred to as the castle for the devil is now known as the Castle for Peace.
Here are pictures of Stadtschlanining, Austria, very quaint and well manicured. It is the smallest university town in the world, with a pop. of 600.
I will not forget my week with Prof. Johan Galtung. He has surely sparked an even greadesire to contribute more fully to the healing of past wounds, while contributing to the cultivation of deeper life supporting connection.
The mystery lies in what form this passion will take. I do believe that with each desire comes the means for fulfillment. I am enjoying the journey there.
I will always be grateful to the Professor for the gift he has given me. Thank you Johan Galtung for sharing the fullness of your being. You are an inspiration to me and many others.
"Peace appeals to the hearts; studies to the brain. Both are needed, indeed indispensable. But equally indispensable is a valid link between brain and heart. And that, in a nutshell, is what peace studies and peace practice are all about."
Johan Galtung
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