Friedensmal of Change within the Garden of Freedom

A Symbol of Reconciliation: A Symbol of Reconciliation: In our world often marked by conflicts and misunderstandings, the need for reconciliation among people with their diverse life philosophies, cultures, and belief systems becomes increasingly apparent. Reconciliation becomes possible through love and freedom in our own inner being. This newly found peace is a state of consciousness where old wounds can heal and bridges to a shared new understanding can be built. The Peace Monument stands as a symbol of this healing process, which finds fulfillment not only in the encounter with ourselves but also in the encounter with others, thereby reflecting back on our own essence. 'All real living is encounter,' as Martin Buber stated in 'I and Thou.', Heppenheim, 1923. This quote emphasizes the importance of dialogue and encounter as the path to true reconciliation and peace.

Liberation from within: The Friedensmal (Peace Monument) serves as an inspiration for individuals, where based on ethical principles and personal responsibility, inner healing and conscious commitment to the community combine into a benevolent action. Simultaneously, it encourages freeing oneself from the chains of ideological illusions and growing in dignity, to lead a life of freedom as a mature individual. It is a deep bow to the rich heritage and the light of the cultures of humanity - including one's own culture - and it makes us aware of the responsibility associated with this heritage. The Friedensmal, as a universal symbol of peace, acknowledges and honors the interconnectedness of all souls in the fabric of life.

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The Friedensmal, which is designed in the language of form of the Christian-Jewish tradition and thus was inaugurated as the 'Jerusalem Friedensmal', serves as a guide to reconciliation. It opens a space for healing and freedom and invites all people, regardless of their origin or religious belief, to embark together on the inner path of peace. It is a path of unfolding our true being. Our being constantly shapes the values we carry into the world and from which we - often unconsciously - live and act. We heal our country and this world within ourselves.

AWAKENING - Confronting the suffering of German history, born out of ideological blindness, is a vital part of Germans' engagement with their past. The Friedensmal broadens this perspective, acknowledging that suffering and delusion are not limited to one nation or era but represent a global phenomenon. Addressing human delusion requires a profound process of working through, which goes beyond mere remembrance and leads to a significant paradigm shift: Memory work, understood as an integral part of spiritual development, thus becomes a crucial aspect of both individual and collective spiritual journeys.

This shift in consciousness shows that genuine healing, extending beyond historical reflection, requires a sufficiently large collective awakening to transform the roots of suffering and prevent the mistakes of the past from repeating. The path to true peace, whether with the German past or with global conflicts, is a central step in this process. The Friedensmal serves as a symbol and a source of inspiration for the process of healing and awakening.

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HEALING - In the Friedensmal, there is an approach to trauma processing that differs from traditional methods and offers a universal perspective. While a direct focus on trauma, as often found in dealing with the past, can be counterproductive, the Friedensmal emphasizes the 'structure' surrounding the trauma – that is, the disturbed perception and assessment capabilities. This perspective highlights the importance of processing the consequences of trauma and adjusting behaviors. This approach acknowledges that healing is often an indirect process, occurring through the strengthening and organizing of the surrounding 'tissue' – our communities and healthy social structures. By doing this, it releases the trauma from its hold, facilitating its resolution and transformation.

The Friedensmal serves as a symbol and source of inspiration for this subtle, profound healing process, encompassing both personal development and collective coping with the past on a global level. It supports the idea that focusing on the reactions and behaviors triggered by trauma – regardless of their origin – can be an effective path to healing. The Friedensmal connects diverse cultural and spiritual paths with a universal symbolism. This underscores the holistic healing approach of the monument, thereby opening the scope of global consciousness for local past coping and personal development.

CONSCIOUSNESS - If our goal is peace, not only with our past but also in our present and future, then this is inseparably linked with the unfolding of a new consciousness. By moving away from a perspective focused exclusively on trauma and acknowledging suffering as an inevitable, shaping experience in our life's journey, we open ourselves to new, illuminating beliefs, ways of thinking, and behaviors. This perspective, which understands healing not as mere 'repair' of remembered traumas but as the overcoming of limiting patterns, leads to a concrete, effective spirituality that enables genuine healing and deep reconciliation on both an individual and global level.

SPIRITUALITY - The core message of the Friedensmal, consciously designed as a symbol of hope and new life rather than a memorial, is the promotion of peace and freedom. This symbol of change invites us to delve deeper into ourselves and live in harmony with the values of love, peace, and freedom. It marks the beginning of a journey into a new world, at the core of which lies culture and, in particular, art. It is the journey into a metaphorical 'new Jerusalem', rooted in the heart of our spiritual awakening – a state of peace and harmony that includes all people. By recognizing and accepting the ego, we open up the possibility of transcending it and using it positively in our lives in this world. Thus, we can gain the freedom to again have healthy relationships that enrich our existence and sustainably shape the cultural fabric in which we live.

The Jerusalem Friedensmal on the European Long Distance Path E8 in South Hesse

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ENCOUNTER - The 'Stone of Encounter' on the hiking trail and the 'Tree of Life' at the heart of the monument are powerful symbols. At the 'Stone of Encounter', the conscious handling of personal and collective boundaries is addressed. This involves first recognizing them. We reflect on their significance in our lives and in relationships. By understanding, respecting, and questioning our boundaries, we open a space for honest dialogue and deep, authentic encounters. The 'Tree of Life' represents not only the intertwining of the material and spiritual worlds but also illuminates our oneness with the source of all life. This connectedness also reminds us of our shared responsibility for each other. Genuine encounters, fostered by places like the Friedensmal, are essential for individual well-being and key to bridging societal divides. They nurture the understanding and harmony needed to collectively overcome the challenges of our times.

SOCIETY - The Friedensmal emphasizes the importance of a positive identification with one's own culture, which not only offers a sense of belonging but also strengthens our awareness of our role and responsibility in the global community. Those who are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage gain the courage and strength to open themselves to not only other people but also other cultures, and to actively and warmly participate in social life. Like a tree, that can only thrive with healthy roots, cultures draw their vitality from their rich heritages. German culture is still deeply rooted in its Jewish-Christian heritage, which has shaped it for over a thousand years. In this context, the Friedensmal acts as a reconciling and healing symbol, embodying Shalom in the relationship with Judaism. In this regard, the Friedensmal stands for reconciliation, healing, and appreciation not only among people but also between different nations and cultures. Thus, it represents the hope and vision for a new world.

Blossom of Life - Symbol of Interreligious Spirituality at the Center of the Friedensmal

Summary: The symbolism of the Friedensmal encourages us not only to appreciate the rich history and tradition from which it originates but also to open our eyes to the comprehensive, universal dimension of our spiritual quest. While the monument represents a significant change in dealing with the past – including German history, characterized by suffering, guilt, and responsibility – it places this within a broader, profound spiritual context.

The Peace Monument illustrates that the causes of many historical misdeeds and sufferings can be found in a lack of awareness and clinging to limiting ideologies, presenting a universal challenge. Liberation from these bonds opens a path to genuine understanding and peace that encompasses all cultures and traditions.

Therefore, the Friedensmal symbolizes not only the healing approach to our own past but also the ongoing development of our understanding of the transcendent. It demonstrates that true spiritual development – exemplified in agape, the selfless love – is essential to overcome the mistakes of the past and promote a peaceful coexistence. Thus, the Friedensmal symbolically represents a path to life that brings together all people, regardless of their religious affiliation or cultural background, in a common process of spiritual development and reconciliation.