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.
I. A path of Healing and Freedom
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 from ideological delusion, is a crucial part of Germany's engagement with its past. While the Friedensmal is rooted in German history, it extends the perspective to the universal human experience of suffering and delusion, which knows no national or temporal boundaries. Engaging with human delusion requires a profound processing that goes beyond mere remembrance and leads to a fundamental shift in paradigm: memory work, understood as an integral part of spiritual development, thus becomes a crucial aspect of both the individual and collective spiritual path.
This shift in consciousness reveals that true healing, extending beyond historical reflection, requires a sufficiently large collective awakening to transform the roots of suffering and prevent the repetition of past mistakes. 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 source of inspiration for the healing and awakening process.
Does this approach not overlook the importance of specific historical memory? While the Friedensmal adopts a universal approach, it by no means negates the significance of specific historical memory. Instead, it broadens the perspective and places individual historical events within a larger context of human experience and spiritual development. This enables a deeper understanding and more comprehensive healing, without diminishing the importance of concrete historical processing.
HEALING - At the Friedensmal, an approach to trauma processing is presented that diverges from traditional methods and offers a universal perspective. While a direct focus on trauma, often found in dealing with the past, can be counterproductive, the Friedensmal shifts the focus to the 'structure' surrounding the trauma—namely, the disrupted perception and assessment capabilities. This perspective emphasizes the importance of processing the consequences of trauma and adapting behaviors. This approach acknowledges that healing is often an indirect process that occurs through the strengthening and organization of the surrounding 'tissue'—our communities and healthy social structures. By dislodging the trauma from its hold, this facilitates 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 the collective handling of the past on a global level. It supports the idea that focusing on the reactions and behaviors elicited by trauma—regardless of their origin—can be an effective path to healing. The Friedensmal connects diverse cultural and spiritual paths with its universal symbolism, thus highlighting the holistic healing approach of the Friedensmal by also framing a global consciousness for local past handling and personal development.
Is this approach not too indirect to effectively deal with trauma? The indirect approach of the Friedensmal to trauma processing complements direct therapeutic methods, it does not replace them. By focusing on strengthening the 'surrounding tissue,' this approach creates a safe framework in which deeper healing can occur. It recognizes that healing often extends beyond direct confrontation and requires holistic approaches.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.II. The Emergence of a New WE
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 provides a sense of security but also enhances awareness of our role and responsibility within the global community. Those who are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage gain the courage and strength to open up not only to other people but also to other cultures, actively and warmly engaging in social life. Like a tree that can only thrive with healthy roots, cultures worldwide draw vitality from their rich heritage. German culture remains deeply embedded in its Judeo-Christian heritage that has shaped it for over a millennium. In this context, the Friedensmal acts as a reconciling and healing symbol, embodying Shalom in its relationship with Judaism. In this respect, the Friedensmal stands for reconciliation, healing, and appreciation not only among people but also between different nations and cultures. It thus represents the hope and vision for a new world.
Is there not a risk that emphasizing cultural rootedness leads to exclusion? The Friedensmal underscores the balance between cultural rootedness and global openness. It acknowledges that a healthy self-understanding forms the foundation for genuine openness towards others. Rather than promoting exclusion, this approach encourages a confident yet respectful exchange between cultures, viewing diversity as an enrichment.
Blossom of Life - Symbol of Interreligious Spirituality at the Center of the Friedensmal
III. An Interreligious Understanding
TRANSZENDENCE - The Friedensmal symbolizes the journey of spiritual seeking and realization. Those who venture beyond the boundaries of our everyday consciousness understand that life and death, injury and healing, captivity and freedom are all manifestations within a larger, all-encompassing framework.
The message of the Friedensmal moves away from the notion of a divine power 'in the heavens' controlling the world and humanity from outside. Instead, it brings responsibility back to the human level, not as a burden, but as an expression of our true nature. This does not signify a separation from God—on the contrary—it reveals the realization that humanity is in God and God is in humanity.
This insight, that the Divine is not external but found within the very core of our being, is central to many mystical traditions. From the Indian philosophical assertion that "Atman is Brahman" to the Sufi declaration "Ana al-Haqq" ("I am the Truth"), and Meister Eckhart's concept of "the birth of God in the soul," we repeatedly encounter the experience of a fundamental unity between the human and the Divine.
In this perspective, transcendence is not about going beyond the world, but rather about delving deeper into reality. It is the realization that what we consider ordinary reality is just the surface of an infinitely deeper existence. This Being permeates everything and yet is beyond all concepts and imagery.
This understanding of God, far removed from human notions of power and control, reveals itself as a mystical experience. It is not a theory to be believed or proved, but a reality that can be experienced. This experience demands humility from those who claim knowledge, as it shows us the limits of our conceptual thinking and opens us to a mystery greater than all our knowledge.
At the same time, this viewpoint encourages us to take responsibility for our lives and our world. When we recognize that we are not separate from the divine source, we also understand that each of our actions can be an expression of this source. Thus, life itself becomes a spiritual path, and every moment offers the opportunity to experience and express transcendence in the everyday.
How does the idea of universal mysticism relate to the specific beliefs of various religions? Universal mysticism, as expressed in the Friedensmal, does not contradict specific religious beliefs but rather seeks their common core. It invites us to look beyond dogmatic boundaries and recognize the essence of spiritual experience shared across all traditions. In doing so, it respects the diversity of religious expressions and views them as different paths to the same destination.DIAOLOGUE - In the context of interreligious dialogue, the Friedensmal fully unfolds its meaning as a place of universal mysticism, where it does not deny its roots in the Christian-Jewish tradition but rather uses them as a starting point for a broader understanding. It invites one to penetrate the specific language of form of our christlich geprägten culture while simultaneously discovering the universal truth that connects all spiritual paths.
This creates a space where people of different religions and beliefs have the opportunity to look beyond the boundaries of their own traditions. The Friedensmal becomes a meeting point where a deeper connection with the universal message of mysticism is established and mutual understanding is fostered. It serves as a bridge between various spiritual paths, thereby enabling the recognition of commonalities and learning from the rich experiences and insights of others.BOUNDARIES - Not only in the physical and social realms do boundaries exist, but also within our belief systems and ideologies. Often unconsciously, they shape our viewpoints and relationships. A crucial step on our spiritual journey is to recognize and question our own religious and ideological boundaries. This self-reflection allows us to deepen perceptions within our own belief system, as well as to broaden our perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of other worldviews and faiths. Awareness of our own limits is essential for growing beyond them. This realization leads to a rich, comprehensive spiritual understanding and opens us up to deeper insights into a spiritual unity found in many religions, which connects us all.
The 'Stone of Encounter' on the hiking trail at the border of the Jerusalem Friedensmal
IV. Beyond Ideological Boundaries
ONENESS - The idea of humanity's spiritual unity is reflected in the Friedensmal. It makes tangible that religious narratives and symbols often serve as metaphors for deeper spiritual truths. They attempt to articulate the incomprehensible, making understanding a continual process of growth and learning. Central to this understanding is the concept of nonduality. Nonduality literally means "not two" and describes a viewpoint in which the apparent contradictions and separations of our everyday experience are recognized as expressions of an underlying unity. It is like the ocean and its waves: though we see many different waves, they are all manifestations of the one ocean.
In our daily lives, we often experience the world as a collection of separate entities and beings. We see ourselves as separate from other people, from nature, from the Divine. The nondual perspective invites us to look beyond this apparent separation and recognize the fundamental connectedness of all things. This viewpoint is found in many spiritual traditions. In Hinduism, it is referred to as "Advaita" (non-duality), in Buddhism as the "emptiness" of all phenomena, and in Christian mysticism as the "unio mystica" (mystical union with God). All these concepts point to a reality that lies beyond our ordinary dualistic perception.
Thus, the Friedensmal is not just a physical monument but also a symbol for the universal process of spiritual awakening to this nondual reality. It encourages us to think beyond our own ideologies and limited perspectives and to engage in a free dialogue with a deeper inner understanding. As we evolve our interpretations and conceptions, we open ourselves to a broader dimension of being and connectedness that encompasses all spiritual traditions and paths. This pursuit of knowledge and awareness of our own limitations are the gateways to the Friedensmal - we step over the Threshold of Humility it encompasses.
It invites us to be part of a continually unfolding dialogue with life and to collaboratively build a symbolic 'New Jerusalem' – a state of deeper spirituality, truthfulness, and reason. Particularly today, this also means the (self)liberation of humanity from ideological delusion - represented in the Friedensmal by the Dark Ring of alienated reasoning, broken open by the Tree of Life. Recognizing deeper spiritual truths enables us to see beyond simplifying enemy images and to invest our life force in building the positive within ourselves, rather than directing it towards external circumstances we perceive as negative and unchangeable. In a nondual world of polarities, it is often not the 'against' which poses the true problem, but rather the lack of an internalized 'for' that guides and strengthens us and our community.
The nonduality of the world signifies a connectedness that transcends all polarities and unites us at the deepest level of our being. It invites us to see the world and ourselves with new eyes - eyes that can recognize the unity in diversity and the diversity in unity.
Does the concept of nonduality blur important distinctions between different belief systems and cultures? The concept of nonduality in the Friedensmal does not aim to obscure differences but to understand them within a larger context. It acknowledges the diversity of human experiences and expressions, while simultaneously pointing to a deeper unity. This perspective allows us to appreciate differences while also recognizing connections that go beyond superficial separations.PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION - The philosophy of the Friedensmal can be integrated into our daily lives in various ways, turning us into active carriers of its message. A key aspect is the conscious cultivation of mindfulness and presence in our everyday interactions. By striving to meet every person, whether a family member, a colleague, or a stranger, with an open heart and mind, we practice the unity in diversity symbolized by the Friedensmal. This attitude can manifest in small gestures of kindness and compassion, as well as in the way we approach conflicts. Instead of thinking in dualistic categories of "right" and "wrong," we can try to understand the other’s perspective and seek solutions that consider all involved.
The idea of self-reflection and inner healing can be incorporated into daily life through regular practices such as meditation or contemplative prayer. These practices help us recognize and transform our own injuries and prejudices. In moments of challenge, we can pause and ask ourselves: "How would I act in this moment if I truly felt the unity of all beings?" This conscious connection with our deeper self and the universal wisdom that the Friedensmal symbolizes can fundamentally change our decisions and actions.
We can also live the philosophy of the Friedensmal in our relationship with nature and the environment by handling the resources of our planet consciously and respectfully. Every decision for sustainability, whether it’s in shopping, mobility, or energy consumption, becomes an act of acknowledging our connectedness with all life.
Finally, we can promote the idea of interreligious and intercultural dialogue in our personal environment by actively seeking exchange with people of other faiths or cultural backgrounds. This can occur through participation in interreligious events, but also through open conversations in everyday life where we explore the perspectives of others with curiosity and respect.
By integrating these principles into our daily lives, we become living ambassadors of the Friedensmal philosophy and contribute to creating a world characterized by understanding, compassion, and unity. For instance, one might commit to consciously performing an act of kindness towards a stranger every day, as a practical implementation of the unity of all beings.
Summary: The Friedensmal embodies a multifaceted symbolism that invites us to appreciate both the rich history and tradition from which it emerged, as well as to broaden our perspective to the universal dimensions of our spiritual quest. It represents a significant shift in dealing with the past—particularly the German experience characterized by suffering, guilt, and responsibility—by placing it within a deeper, spiritual context.
The Friedensmal underscores that the roots of many historical misdeeds and sufferings can be found in a lack of awareness and in restrictive ideologies—a challenge that is universal. It illustrates that liberation from these mental shackles paves the way to genuine understanding and peace that embraces all cultures and traditions.
Thus, the Friedensmal stands not only for a healing approach to one's own past but also for the ongoing evolution of our understanding of the transcendent. It emphasizes that true spiritual development—evident in agape, the selfless love—is essential to overcoming the mistakes of the past and fostering peaceful coexistence. The Friedensmal thus becomes a symbol for a way of life that unites all people, regardless of religious affiliation or cultural background, in a shared process of spiritual unfolding and reconciliation.
Introduction
Building Bridges
