Peace and Love (and Indian Food)

 My favorite spot in Western Massachusetts is the Leverett Peace Pagoda. It was the first Peace Pagoda to be built in the United States (more on the history of peace pagodas to come).We have been going to the peace pagoda for many years, and often bring friends who are in town visiting. I also have a running route with my friend Lars that includes a start and end at the peace pagoda. It's worth the hour plus round trip to be able to run and simply spend time in such a beautiful place and in such a peaceful setting. Their website has more information including history of the pagoda. 

If Western MA is within range of a day trip or if you have New England travel plans, I highly recommend that you build a visit to the peace pagoda into your roster. And, you can pop by the famed Montague Book Mill, which is less than 15 minutes away.

 At Leverett Peace Pagoda

A plethora of origami cranes

Lars taking pictures of Tibetan prayer flags

following the Cave Hill Classic 5 Miler

Peace pagodas are Buddhist monuments that are spread across the world. Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fuji built the first peace pagoda to inspire world peace following the end of World War II. There are five in North American and only 3 in the United States. We are fortunate that another peace pagoda is in our vicinity. It's a mere 2 hours away-just over the NY state border. We finally had an opportunity to pay a visit this past weekend. We made a fun day of it with a trip that included dinner in Williamstown, MA. This is the Grafton Peace Pagoda in New York State. Also a new Peace Pagoda is under construction in Tennessee.

Each peace pagoda has its own unique characteristics. The Grafton Peace Pagoda had a beautiful pond and some unique sculptural elements. With the encouragement of Jun Yasuda, a Japanese teacher who was taught by Nichidatsu Fuji, she led the pagoda to focus on supporting indigenous peoples. She also believed that the spiritual path of indigenous peoples would "open a new path of existence for the United States--a peaceful and sacred way of life for all humanity." This pagoda is known for its support of indigenous peoples of North America. Also, they hold an annual walk for peace on September 11th from the Peace Pagoda to New York City. You can learn much more about the incredible history of the Grafton Peace pagoda at their website. 

 Blue on the path around the pagoda

 On the path were postings of phases of Buddha's life

as well as reliefs of each phase. 

 One of the reliefs. 

 The Buddha's last words

 Lily pads and fleurs 

 After our visit to the pagoda, we picked up Maple Syrup.

Honor system Maple Wagon! 

 We stopped in Williamstown on the way back from the pagoda. This was my first time spending any amount of time in Williamstown. It's an adorable, quintessentially New England town. We'll be back soon with friends, I'm sure. We decided on dinner at the highly rated Spice Root Indian restaurant. I have to say, this is the best Indian Food I've had in Western Massachusetts. And the staff was very attentive and friendly. We ordered a Paneer dish and Lamb Biryani. 

Lamb Biryani

All in all it was a wonderful day trip. Feeling blessed with the beauty of the area and the opportunity to spend time at our nearby peace pagodas. 

Civilization is not to kill human beings; not to destroy things, not to make war; civilization is to hold mutual affection and to respect one another --Most Venerable Nichidatsu Fuji.