“If you fling all of your thoughts into these simple words, and, from this prayer keep living your lives anew, before you know it your individualistic or cliquish feelings will diminish, and you will feel yourselves wishing for the happiness of mankind, with a feeling of humanitarian love welling up from within. Gradually, the individual's character will be approaching wholeness, and the person's lifestyle will strike a harmonious note—which is the greatest thing an individual can do for world peace."
~ Masahisa Goi (1916-1980), Founder of the World Peace Prayer Society
History of the Peace Pole
The message, May Peace Prevail on Earth, was authored in 1955 by Masahisa Goi of Japan when he awakened to the need to spread this Message and Prayer in the hearts of the global community for the attainment of inner and outer peace. Today, Peace Poles are now recognized as the most prominent international symbol and monument to peace and it is estimated that there are more than 200,000 Peace Poles that have been dedicated in 200 countries.
Peace Poles:
- Symbolize the oneness of humanity and our common wish for a world at peace.
- Remind us to think, speak, and act in the spirit of peace and harmony.
- Stand as a silent visual for peace to prevail on earth.
Learn more about the Peace Pole Project.
The Peace Pole Project at Hawkeye
There are five Peace Poles stationed at two Hawkeye Community College campus sites. These monuments of goodwill represent the college’s values of diversity and inclusiveness and are designed to foster positive thought forms that bring together people of all backgrounds and cultures. These peace poles, which stand six feet tall, are meant to nurture the global concept of community and express the singular message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” is written in English on one side and in three different languages of the world on the other three sides.
Here at Hawkeye, the Peace Poles are in keeping with our global learning mission:
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Promote a campus atmosphere which visibly reflects, encourages, and values a diverse and multicultural educational environment.
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Expand individuals' appreciation of the benefits of a multicultural perspective.
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Achieve multicultural effectiveness in teaching and learning.
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Develop and sustain an increasingly diverse and inclusive college community of lifelong learning in order to effectively participate in a global society.