Meera Censor : Humanitarians for Justice, Nonviolence, and Peace

Mahatma Gandhi 1869-1948

Gandhi's book, My Experiments with Truth, tells of his internal struggles and remarkable triumphs. He was an inspiration for many of the people in this series and continues as an inspiration for many others in the world today.

Another timely book is A Man to Match his Mountains: Badshah Khan Nonviolent Soldier of Islam by Eknath Easwaran. Timely because, as American forces persist in Afghanistan, it is important for us to understand the Afghan people and their culture. This book says a great deal to educate us in that respect. Khan and Gandhi formed a deep friendship based on their dedication to nonviolence. A devout Muslim, Khan’s story is one to ponder, as well.

We can learn much about the Afghans at a time in their history when nonviolence was unpopular. However, Badshah Khan chose nonviolence out of his dedication to the deepest aspect his faith and out of true respect for Gandhi. I wanted to create a sculpture of Badshah Khan but was unable to due to limited finances. Since I could not, I wanted to mention him in this book in hopes that I could inspire you to read Eknath Eswaran’s book. You will learn of the treasured independence of the Afghan people, their culture, and commitment to nonviolence that this man embraced.

Pondering the life of Gandhi, I remembered how meditation and contemplation were most important to him, so sculpting him with eyes closed in meditation symbolizes his deep spirituality and commitment to internal guidance.

Please visit www.gandhiinstitute.org, as there is much to learn there.

Kasturba Gandhi

From: The Forgotten Woman by Arun and Sunanda Gandhi

“Numerous books have been written about the legendary Mahatma Gandhi, the man who freed India, but little nothing the woman who shared his successes and failures."

"Known simply as “Ba- Mother,” to millions of people in India she is truly the forgotten woman, whom history has side-lined. The woman who shared Gandhi’s loves his sorrows, his triumphs and his tragedies. Together since childhood she knew the flaws and the human frailties of the man behind the legend.

"They say that behind each great man there is a woman; But Kastur was not the woman behind the man. She was the one who stood by his side, even being imprisoned with him on several occasions. She overcame many obstacles as she gave up a life of wealth for one of utter poverty.”

"Our painstaking research confirmed that she played a significant role in the struggle for India’s freedom and in the “making of the Mahatma.”

Quotes from Mahatma Gandhi about his wife and women:

“I learned the lesson of nonviolence from my wife. Her determined resistance to my will on the other hand, hand her quiet submission in the suffering of my stupidity involved on the other hand, ultimately made me ashamed of myself and cured me of my stupidity.”

"I have put all my hopes in women. I strongly feel that the ultimate victory of nonviolence depends wholly on women. I believe the strength which women possess is given them by God Hence they are bound to succeed in whatever they undertake.”

Links to more about Kasturba Gandhi:

IndiaVideo.org

Wikipedia

Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929-1968

I heard the story of how Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife made a trip to India to study Gandhi’s methods for their movement for equality. Therefore, King was then my next choice. I have been truly inspired by his actions, speeches, books, and definitely his courage. When I read any speech of his, I much emotion arises in my heart. Such a gifted orator and writer. How grateful we should all be that this man chose to give his life to the  cause of equality for the American negro, inspiring so many and opening hearts and minds.

When I started, I didn’t know that Dr. King is a particularly difficult subject to sculpt. One of my mentors, master sculptor Christopher Pardell, later shared that insight with me. Christopher was a great asset to me. From him, I learned how to make molds, a necessary skill for a sculptor. He even let me use his studio for my work. His expert guidance and generosity was an offering of his kindness.

Read more at  www.TheKingCenter.org

Mother Teresa  1910-1997

Next, I created a sculpture of Mother Teresa, an Albanian Catholic nun known for her work with Hindus. I thought about the important impact of her life and knew she belonged in this series for many reasons. She upheld nonviolence by honoring the humanity in all people, no matter that their religious beliefs differed from her own. Serving humanity from the heart, so naturally and with such passion, is a quality shared by all my subjects; in her, it was a well-known trait. She spoke about the importance of compassion, service and great love, and she lived what she spoke.  

A copy of the Mother Teresa sculpture is in a hospital in Los Angeles. I donated it to a group of Carmelite nuns I happened to meet one day, walking down the street. I gave them the sculpture, and they decided to place it in the hospital were it could inspire people to look at their difficulties through Mother Theresa’s eyes.  

Visit www.motherteresa.org

Chief Joseph 1840-1904

My next sculpture was of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, who was loved, respected, and reputed as a supremely honorable man. The story of Chief Joseph and his tribe is a horrific one, like so many in that time, but the Nez Perce had a tradition of nonviolence and peace. Joseph's given name is Hinmatoowyalahtq’it, which translates to “Thunder Traveling to Higher Areas.”

After the sculpture was completed I contacted the Nez Perce tribe and offered to donate a copy in bronze. Unknown to me, a visitor center was opening up on the Lolo Pass in Idaho, six weeks later. The tribe was delighted to receive this gift and place it in the new center. I brought the sculpture to the opening personally, and it was received with great joy. I had the opportunity to meet some important tribal members and descendants of Chief Joseph. The Lolo Pass Visitor Center has become a stopping place for adults and children to reflect on the story of the Nez Perce and I am told by the Visitor Center staff that the sculpture is a favorite of visitors. Such a delight for me to hear! I hope you will take a journey there someday in remembrance. It is a beautiful part of our country.

My favorite books about Chief Joseph are The Nez Perce Indians and the Opening of the Pacific Northwest by Alvin M. Josephy, Jr. and That All People May Be One People, Send Rain to Wash the Face of the Earth by Chief Joseph. There are many more worth reading as well to honor and remember.

Link to more about Chief Joseph:

USDA Forest Service

H.H. The Dalai Lama

From Freedom in Exile: The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama

“Dalai Lama means different things to different people. To some it means that I am a living Buddha, the earthly manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattva of Compassion. To others it means that I am a “god-king.” During the late 1950”s it meant that I was a Vice President of the Steering Committee of the People’s Republic of China. Then when I escaped into exile, I was called a counterrevolutionary and a parasite. But none of these are my ideas. To me “Dalai Lama” is a title that signifies the office I hold. I myself am just a human being, and incidentally a Tibetan, who chooses to be a Buddhist monk.”

Please take the time to read this book if you haven’t as yet. You will understand his life in a new way, and find deep respect in your heart for one who chooses compassion and joy over blame and anger.

Six million Tibetans where killed when the Chinese took over Tibet. Something that you don’t hear about, and it is an honoring of the deceased that seems to me to take place when you read this story and an honoring of a life lived for compassion. However, if you have read this book, then perhaps you understand the respect I feel and the reason I added H H The Dalai Lama to this series.

Link to more about the Dalai Lama:

www.dalailama.com

Cesar Chavez 1927-1993

Cesar Chavez, born in the United States with Mexican heritage, was not only inspired by Gandhi but also committed his life to following Gandhi’s methods. He completely embraced the cause of nonviolent action for the benefit of his fellow farm workers.

This quote from Chavez exemplifies his philosophy:

I have read much about this remarkable man and learned many things that helped me create this sculpture. Chavez loved a particular leather jacket with a pin from the United Farm Workers. He also had a special shirt that he was fond of, one that his mother gave to him. I sculpted Chavez wearing that shirt, jacket and pin. It was my way to connect with, not just the humanitarian, but also the man who loved his family. Chavez’ family chose to sacrifice much during his time of service, as have the families of many great peacemakers. That type of loving support is one of the essential keys to their success. 

Links to more about Cesar Chavez:

Cesar Chavez Foundation

Danilo Dolci "The Gandhi of Sicily" 1924-1997

In one of my foundry classes, I met a man from Sicily. I told him I was sculpting a series of people that had been inspired by Gandhi. “Oh,” he said, “How about Danilo Dolci? He was called the Gandhi of Sicily.” 

I had never heard of Dolci, so with that trusted recommendation I read Fire under the Ashes: the Life of Danilo Dolci by James McNeish. It had an immediate impact on me. I wondered why I had never before heard about this amazing man and his life. Here, I thought, was a monumental story to share, one of untiring dedication to the poor of Sicily and to nonviolent action. Dolci is a humanitarian in the highest sense. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature and wrote many books about his work; The World is One Creature is one of my favorites.

I wrote to the Dolci Trust, an organization maintaining his work and honoring his life, to offer them a copy. Eventually I received a wonderful reply: We are so delighted to get this email. We have wanted a sculpture of Dolci for many years, but have not been able to acquire one. Will you come to Sicily as our guest at the celebration of his coming to our town 50 years ago? What a surprise and delight to have this opportunity! Who knew?

Meena, Heroine of Afghanistan  1956-1987

I unexpectedly received a call from an old high school friend. She told me about a book she had just read about an incredible woman named Meena. The book was Meena: Heroine of Afghanistan by Melody Chavis. I read it and immediately knew Meena would be my next sculpture.

If you are concerned about terrorism, hatred, and mistreatment of women, or wish for a deeper understanding of the courageous women of Afghanistan, this is the book to read. As the founder of Revolutionary Association for the Women of Afghanistan, the first human rights organization for women in Afghanistan, Meena is a perfect model for public service. Her sacrifice for others was the utmost: her life.

I was deeply touched by Meena's story and the women who have followed in her footsteps. I created this sculpture to honor her memory and the women of RAWA. I wrote to RAWA and informed them I would be making a sculpture of Meena for my series. Very swiftly, I received a reply with approval. They sent me photos of Meena to work from, and I sent back photos of my progress. When the sculpture was finished, I emailed a final picture of the bronze. Their response was fantastic, an email written in huge letters that read, WONDERFUL, LOVE, KISSES AND HUGS for your great work. We are speechless.

It has been most rewarding bringing Meena's story to the attention of others, notably the OHSU School of Nursing at Southern Oregon University, which invited me to talk about Meena’s work creating desperately needed hospitals in Afghanistan. From that visit many nursing students read her book. Can you imagine my delight and amazement at how these sculptures bless my life with joy and gratitude? Not only for the lives of the people I am sculpting, but also the impact, and inspiration their lives continue to have.

In the Meena sculpture, you will notice a slight raise in her right shoulder. In the main photo I chose to replicate, she has her arm raised in a victory salute. Sadly, it would have been too costly to create the entire gesture, so I ask you to try to imagine that victory salute.

Visit www.rawa.org

Peter Benenson 1921-2005

After my visit to Sicily, I traveled Italy for another two weeks and met a lovely couple that had worked as volunteers for Amnesty International for many years. I told them I was looking for subjects from different countries and cultures for my series, and they suggested Peter Benenson, founder of Amnesty International. Benenson, being from England, allowed me to represent another new country in my series. Thank you, Patricia and Walter (and, of course, your daughter for giving up her room for me!). Your suggestion was brilliant.

When it was time to start sculpting, my mentor, Christopher Pardell, said, “Meera, you need to work smaller. If you want to continue this series, you will need to make some money to continue.” He also pointed out that most people can’t afford—nor particularly want—a life-size sculpture in their homes. Therefore, working with a harder plastaline clay, I decided to sculpt on a smaller scale. 

I display the sculpture of Benenson with a candle wrapped in barbed wire, the symbol for Amnesty International.

www.amnestyinternational.org

Mairead Corrigan Macguire 1944 -
and Betty Williams  1943 -

Now, for practical purposes, I continued working on a smaller scale. The next country represented would be Ireland. The story of the Peace People founders, Mairead Corrigan Maguire and Betty Williams, is a heart-wrenching one. Mairead's sister, Annie, was walking down a street with her three children. An IRA bomber driving by was shot at by British police. The car went out of control and hit the family. Annie was pinned her to a nearby fence with a broken pelvis and two broken legs. Her children were killed in front of her.

One wonders why it takes such violence to mobilize people, but in this case, it certainly did. Maguire and Williams organized a movement, the Peace People, to stand up to the violence that had been tearing Ireland apart for years. Through group marches, made up mostly of women, Maguire and Williams took a stand for Peace. They marched with Catholic and Protestant women, a controversial act at that time. Despite threats and harassment, they all stood together for a common cause. In time, their efforts decreased the violence in Ireland by fifty percent, earning these two women the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976.

The story of the Peace People is one that could be told in many countries today. I hope that, in reading about them, you will find inspiration towards some type of action—to speak out and to help others living in violent conditions. Please learn more about this heartbreaking story and of how it changed the lives of thousands. Visit www.peacepeople.com

Dr. Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965

Dr. Albert Schweitzer had great foresight in planning his life. He studied to become an accomplished musician, earning doctorate degrees in music, theology, and philosophy, yet he still managed to fulfill his required military training. At thirty, while still in school, he decided to study medicine and dedicate the rest of his life to serving humanity. After graduating from medical school, he created the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Gabon, Africa.

Dr. Schweitzer's story may leave you inspired just by knowing a man lived with such depth of spirit. His commitment to live with “Reverence for all Life” in these days of environmental breakdown is a timely reminder worth pondering daily. His example can teach us much about the rewards and joy of service.

Schweitzer’s autobiography, a best seller in it's time, is called Out of my Life and Thought. You can also learn more about this man and his work at www.schweitzerfellowship.org. 

Links to more about Albert Schweitzer:

www.NobelPrize.org

www.SchweitzerFellowship.org

Wikipedia

Dr. Marshall Rosenberg 1934 -

Dr. Marshall Rosenberg is the founder of the Center for Nonviolent Communication. I met him through Annie Muller, a dear friend of my husband. Marshall has played a special role, in not only my life but also the lives of hundreds of thousands around the globe. He has traveled around the world for over forty years, sharing the tools for nonviolence through communication. His book, Nonviolent Communication: a Language of Life, which is dedicated to Annie, has been translated into twenty languages. My husband, Alex, and I took several of Marshall’s classes; many times over the years, we have found his methods to be invaluable to both our personal relationships and our internal dialogs—how we speak to ourselves. He taught us to serve Life by making our choices based on what brings us joy. Alex is still a Certified Trainer, as was I until I took time off in order to work on this series.

I cannot imagine living without these tools:

Sounds very simple. However, this philosophy calls for observation without evaluation, owned feelings, and realistic expectations. These teachings also address what Marshall considers the true, basic human needs: acceptance, affection, security, stability, and authenticity, among others. These tenets teach us to give from the heart, never from a should, ought to, or have to. Simple? It takes true commitment to live this way, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

I highly encourage you to check out the Center for Nonviolent Communication's website, www.cnvc.org.

Albert Einstein 1879 - 1955

Albert Einstein is renowned for many scientific breakthroughs, but his statements on nonviolence are equally inspiring. Creating this sculpture came from reading about how Einstein and other scientists spoke out against using the atom bomb on Japan. They were convinced that a demonstration of the bomb’s power, without damage to human life, would be sufficiently effective. They, of course, were not successful in their protest, but they did their best to stop this horror. 

Einstein was no stranger to the ugly side of discrimination, and he rejected biased attitudes. His words, often uplifting and thoughtful, prompted me to add him to this series.

Learn more at www.nobelprize.org

John Muir 1838-1914

John Muir was the first president of the Sierra Club and has a fascinating life story. He did not work for nonviolent social change in the usual ways, but I believe his dedication to saving environmental beauty merits adding his life and works to this series of humanitarians. Beautiful places of nature are often sources of peace and improved spirit. John Muir’s wisdom and vision for preserving these places is a nonviolent contribution that shall benefit generations to come. His life story is fascinating, traveling by foot across the United States he fell in love with the beauty of this country. Preserving the treasures of this country, natures cathedrals created a life mission.

Two informative websites are www.johnmuir.org and www.sierraclub.org

Nelson Mandela  1918 -
and Desmond Tutu 1931-

Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu have lived for a passionate cause—freedom from apartheid. I dearly wanted to add them both to this series because of their deep understanding that violence is not the answer to the long-term question of people living together respectfully and harmoniously. Mandela’s autobiography, The Long Road to Freedom, gives insight into Mandela’s life and his commitment to humanitarian work. The life of Desmond Tutu shows a true understanding of what it takes to make real social changes in the midst of very difficult circumstances.

The struggle for change was long and tiresome, with many years of imprisonment for Mandela and constant work by Tutu and many others to keep peace. In the end, their efforts brought freedom and humanitarian shift in a country ravaged by apartheid. Without their constant vigilance, this terrible circumstance could have been much more horrifying. But with wisdom, insight, and dedication over long years, change did occur.

The sculptures depict Mandela and Tutu together on Inauguration Day, a victory for them and all the blacks of South Africa, a time of great rejoicing.

See: www.tutu.org and www.nelsonmandela.org

Sister Chan Khong 1938-

Choosing Sister Chan Khong for the series came unexpectedly. There was a notable Vietnamese population in Los Angeles, so I wanted to sculpt someone from that culture, particularly for the interest of Vietnamese schoolchildren. My choice was Thich Nhat Hahn, a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. However, when I went to see him at his Deer Park Monastery, a mishap had me arriving too early.

While waiting for the meeting, I took the opportunity to visit the monastery's bookstore. There, I came across the book Learning True Love: How I Practiced Nonviolent Social Change by Sister Chan Khong. After reading Sister Chan Khong's book, it became clear to me that her story needed to be told. Happily, both she and Thich Nhat Hahn liked my idea to add a sculpture of her to the series.

I believe that this sculpture carries the energy of her dedication to others, energy that has weathered much adversity but which has grown into deep compassion. Her book tells of her nonviolent humanitarian work under extremely violent of conditions and of how she managed to keep an open, compassionate heart in spite of it all. She continues her humanitarian work to this day. 

Tariq Khamisa 1975-1995

I heard about the Tariq Khamisa Foundation from a friend who knew of my sculpture series and  recommended I read Tariq's father Azim Khamisa’s book, Azim’s Bardo: From Murder to Forgiveness a Father’s Journey. It is one of the most powerful stories I know of that demonstrates true forgiveness in difficult circumstances. Khamisa’s personal journey took place following the murder of his only son, Tariq, by a fourteen-year old gang member. This tragedy led to an extraordinary act of forgiveness, and the founding of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation. Azim and Ples Felix, the grandfather of the boy who murdered Tariq, made the decision to start an organization that protects children at risk for gang violence.

I had a difficult time deciding whom in this story to sculpt. It would be natural to honor Azim Khamisa or Ples Felix, but ultimately I choose Tariq—the precious son whose life was lost.

Please learn more at www.tkf.org

Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo

The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo formed during the Dirty War, a seven-year period of state-sponsored violence against dissenters, when thousands of people were abducted by the Argentine government. The Mothers donned scarves, embroidered with the names of their “disappeared” children, and met each week in the Plaza de Mayo. Walking  in a circle of silence, they strengthened the protest for many with missing family members.

The Mothers continue to help many in Latin America. There are many websites and books about their unique commitment to justice, as well as a moving documentary, Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo. I think anyone that learns this story will be struck by their immense bravery and their unique way of speaking out without aggression. I, myself, was moved into creating this sculpture. There were fourteen women in the founding group, so I created my first bas relief of those women, wearing the white scarves that signify their organization, circled around the May Pyramid in the Plaza de Mayo.

Wikipedia entry

The film "Las Madres: The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo"

Dr. Catherine Hamlin 1924-

Dr. Catherine and her husband, Reginald Hamlin, founded the second Fistula Hospital in the world. Reginald has since passed away, but Catherine is still living and continues her life work at 87 years of age.

Dr. Catherine’s book, The Hospital by the River, and Catherine’s "Gift by John Little" may inspire you to skip your next cup of gourmet coffee and, instead, put that money aside to donate to the Fistula Foundation, supporting women in need. You can also “Adopt a Sister” and change a woman's life forever.

The Fistula Foundation has created a marvelous, heart-touching DVD called A Walk to Beautiful. This video is available through Netflix and the Fistula Foundation’s website. Please go to www.fistulafoundation.org to learn more.

I hope to raise funds to create the last two sculptures of my series - Dr. Catherine Hamlin and Father Gregory Boyle - through the sale of my new book, Humanitarians for Justice, Nonviolence and Peace. Once those sculptures are completed, I plan to divide any continued profits between these organizations I so admire.

Father Gregory Boyle

I heard of Father Gregory Boyle from my friends Joe and Jessica Sojka. Joe took me to Homeboy Industries on a trip to Los Angeles. Seeing the radiant faces of the ex-gang members there and knowing the dedication and commitment to get them to that place, I have chosen Father Gregory Boyle, creator and mentor for Homeboy Industries. His book Tattoos on the Heart is a true testament to the power of commitment to compassion and the opportunity to offer alternatives to gang violence. “Jobs not Jails” is one of their mottos and “Nothing stops a bullet like a job.” Visit them at www.homeboy-industries.org  once you read Tattoos on the Heart, your open heart will be opened even wider. Father Boyle is a true hero to me and to many and the story of his work will certainly touch your heart and make you say to yourself, “This is a person who truly lives a life of inspiration and commitment to others, someone to be remembered and deeply admired.”  

I am adding the book cover notes from Tatoos on the Heart here as I am hoping that the way it is written will capture your interest if my words have failed. This is an important book, one to read and pass on to others:

I hope to raise funds to create the last two sculptures of my series - Dr. Catherine Hamlin and Father Gregory Boyle - through the sale of my new book, Humanitarians for Justice, Nonviolence and Peace. Once those sculptures are completed, I plan to divide any continued profits between these organizations I so admire.