This press release was sent June 15, 2003 from the College of Metaphysics

"Satyagraha" includes H.H. the Dalai Lama, Albert Schweitzer, Betty Williams, Mohandas K. Gandhi, Linus Pauling, Jimmy Carter, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, and (hidden) Alva Myrdal.

College of Metaphysics Thespians bring
20th Century Peace Activists to Life

(Windyville, Missouri) Students and faculty of the College of Metaphysics presented an awe-inspiring program called Satyagraha on the College of Metaphysics campus on June 28, 2003. Satyagraha is a term introduced by Mohandes K. Gandhi during the first half of the 20th century. The Sanskrit word means "holding on to truth," or "soul-force."

Gandhi, known as the father of India, inspired his countrymen to use nonviolence to resist British colonization which led to India being a free state in 1949. To the people of India he was known as Mahatma, meaning "great soul." Mahatma Gandhi’s life is an example of one who lived the principle of holding on to truth, bringing about peace in a world of unrest.

Gandhi wrote "From the beginning of time to the end of time, the force of truth and love always wins over violence. With this great force you can bring this world to your feet."

Although many people are familiar with Gandhi’s influence in India, few people are aware of the profound influence this man had on people around the world, including winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. The Satyagraha play brought to life eight Nobel Peace Laureates: Jimmy Carter, Albert Schweitzer, Martin Luther King, Jr., Tensin Gyatso -- the 14th Dalai Lama, Linus Pauling, Betty Williams, Alva Mirdahl, and Mother Teresa. Each one described how Mahatma Gandhi influenced them directly or indirectly. They were portrayed by the students and faculty of the College: Matthew Marian, Tad Messenger, John Harrison, Paul Madar, John Crainshaw, Laurie Biswell, Dr. Pam Blosser, and Erika Scholz, under the direction of Dr. Barbara Condron.

The children of Camp Niangua also participated in the play, introducing the Peace Laureates to Mahatma Gandhi, played by Paul Blosser. An ordained minister in the Interfaith Church of Metaphysics, Blosser said of the performance, "Gandhi has been an inspiration to me for years so it was quite an honor to portray him. In the past, when I would encounter a situation of unrest in my life I would ask myself, ‘What would Gandhi do?’ I know from his writings the kind of person he was and how he lived his life. I strive to follow in his footsteps and to be the same. I did not ‘play’ Gandhi or assume his role. I embodied his consciousness to introduce him to people who had never known him."

When Tensin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, in his acceptance speech he said, "This is also a tribute to my mentor Mahatma Gandhi, whose example is an inspiration to so many of us." Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, "Gandhi was probably the first person in history to lift the love ethic of Jesus above mere interaction with individuals to a powerful and effective social force." People from nine different states came to the College of Metaphysics to learn of this remarkable man and his influence on the world.

The performance was given in the Peace Dome which is still under construction on campus. An October 11, 2003 date has been set for the dedication of the dome. To learn more, contact www.peacedome.org. Information about the School of Metaphysics and College of Metaphysics can be found at www.som.org. ####

For further informtation & interviews contact:

Dr. Barbara Condron or Christine Madar at 417-345-8411.

School of Metaphysics, 163 Moon Valley Road, Windyville, MO 65783

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