Mohanji Peace Centre, Slovenia

In the year 2020, a petition was launched requesting for a physical space in the Balkan region that would allow the effective spreading of the messages of non-violence, compassion, unconditional love espoused by Mohanji. By building such a centre, the petitioners felt that Europe, especially the regions of Eastern Europe and the Balkan countries, could benefit immensely. A point highlighted in the petition was about the traumas suffered by people and families affected by wars, either directly or indirectly, and the support required for them in terms of mental health and well-being. Around 2000 people signed this petition within a few weeks of its launch. 

Land was identified for this project – a 4.5 hectare parcel in Sveta Ana, Slovenia.

The MPC is essentially about demonstrating and inculcating a lifestyle of peace, harmony, non-violence and benevolence.

The MPC is about co-peaceful existence of all beings and harmony. We look at beings from a broader perspective, beyond species, so that all life forms are treated with respect. Hence, our space will be characterized by non-violence in every aspect possible, such as:

–        A plant-based lifestyle (no meat or animal products that are associated with slaughter and violence),

–       Ecological building choices – so as to facilitate harmony with nature,

–       Energy efficiency and adoption of renewable energy choices wherever feasible,

–       Extensive space dedicated for forests and natural areas within the MPC,

–       Space for animals to live in peace, with no fear of exploitation, ill-treatment by humans or slaughter. 

It is our strong conviction that such values are essential for the betterment of society. We are also strong believers that actions speak louder than words. Hence, the experience of witnessing these values in practice at the MPC would be a strong message – not just about how it can be done, but also its benefits at an individual level and for communities at large.

The MPC would be a hub of humanitarian and social activities.

One of Mohanji’s core teachings is the value of selfless service and giving back to earth more than what one takes from it. In the MPC, this would be exemplified by the core activities that would take place on a daily basis:

– Free food donations – all residents and visitors would be provided with plant-based food at regular times through the day. This would be accessible not just to those visiting or staying there, but also to underprivileged people that want to just visit the MPC for the food. Further, we would utilize the kitchen for cooking food to be taken to various locations where food would be served. i.e. the MPC would act as a hub for our Act 4 Hunger initiatives in the region.

– Humanitarian initiatives – We regularly undertake charity activities to support the underprivileged with medical care, clothing, and other essentials. We are also active in supporting those afflicted by disasters – natural or man-made. For example, in 2022 we have launched a substantial project – ACT 4 Ukraine – where our volunteers have taken food, toiletries, hygiene products and medical aid to the displaced people from Ukraine in Moldova, Romania and South West Ukraine. We envisage that the MPC would be a hub for these humanitarian activities in Europe.

– Selfless service – all activities in the MPC would be driven by volunteers, i.e. people who are committing to serve others as an active part of their life. We expect two kinds of volunteers – those who will stay at the MPC for extended periods of time and serve, and those who will come to serve whenever they are free. This way, we will keep the focus on serving and minimise administrative costs. This is also a valuable message to all visitors as they see the volunteers in action and draw inspiration from them on the values of serving communities selflessly, not just for the receiver, but also for the giver.

– Care for animals and nature – as mentioned earlier, an area of focus in the MPC would be tending to animals and nature with love and care. By encouraging people to practice a plant-based lifestyle and treat all living forms with respect, we are inculcating the value of harmonious co-existence.

The MPC would contribute to the transformation of individuals, and eventually bring about transformation in society.

In this environment of harmony and benevolence, the MPC would offer various activities and practices for individual transformation. These include guided meditations, yoga, conscious meditative walking, and various other methods given by Mohanji for self-transformation. Mohanji’s core teaching can be encapsulated as “Be You”, i.e. an acceptance of one’s individual self, shorn of the external trappings like positions, possessions and relationships. When one has a higher level of self-awareness and internal alignment, he/she is naturally in greater alignment with the external surroundings. This leads to lasting changes in their approach to life and choices thereof, i.e. a more conscious lifestyle and less exploitative. When this cascades to society, it contributes to establishing the highest human values of love, compassion, non-violence and kindness in society. This is one of our primary goals as a foundation, and having a permanent centre enables us to do this on a consistent basis at a fixed base.

In addition to various projects that we undertake around the world, the importance of delivering all our key methods, practices and activities in one single location cannot be overemphasised. If one were to spend a few days at the MPC, they would likely experience the full import of Mohanji’s teachings and its relevance to creating a better world, hence the criticality of having such a centre as a key project under MIF.