For 36 hours at the height of the US presidential election, the Shambhala Center will offer itself as an open neutral space for anyone wishing to rest their mind in an atmosphere of unbiased meditation and contemplative silence.

"We would like to offer a zone of peace in the midst of the intense polarization," says Center Director Chris Montone. "We will offer this to everyone, regardless of affiliation, background or beliefs. Our Center will be an open, dignified environment of compassionate silence where people can come at any time to rest their minds. We will offer meditation instruction to anyone who wishes it." The Center will remain continuously open from noon on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4 through to midnight on Wednesday November 5. Trained Meditation Instructors will be on hand throughout and light refreshments will be served. The 36 hours in Washington will be led by the President of Shambhala, Richard Reoch who will fly to the US capital for this event. The initiative has received the blessing and whole-hearted support of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, the spiritual head of Shambhala.

The peace zone makes me so proud of our community. I have been helping out on this year's election and a zone of peace is the best thing that we can offer. Many people have been working very hard and could use a place to rest, as well as, those who will be experiencingthe extreme highs and lows as they react to the results. Brilliant idea.

Peggy V.
Burlington, VT