The Religion Department at Brandon University has created a Labyrinth of Peace, the only one of its kind in Canada, with the purpose of promoting religious tolerance and peace.

"In building the Labyrinth of Peace, we hope to raise awareness about the many religions, cultures, and  communities that co-exist within our region, and the symbols they use to represent themselves," said Dr. Alison Marshall, coordinator of the Labyrinth of Peace project, and professor of religion at Brandon University. "The labyrinth will be constructed in the shape of a mandala (circular-like pattern) with the religions of Brandon being depicted around the perimeter of the structure. The students chose this particular pattern because it displays the many routes to the center, paralleling the way in which each religion offers its own pathway to the divine."

Labyrinths have been built all over the world as complex pathways leading to a center point and exit. Some say that the use of labyrinths as religious pathways has its origins in 12th Century Europe, when Christians walked around the pathways of labyrinths during sacred pilgrimages. Although there are many labyrinths designed to express one religion, few, if any, exist in Canada and the world that combine many different religions and cultures with a view to promoting religious tolerance and peace. The idea to build the Labyrinth of Peace in Brandon was inspired by a trip to New Harmony, Indiana, when Dr. Marshall and her husband walked around the maze built as a memorial to the Harmonists who lived in New Harmony between 1814-1824 and sought to create a utopian society.  For more information about labyrinths around the world visit the Labyrinth Society website :  www.Labyrinthsociety.org

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Islam—Crescent and Star: The faith of Islam is symbolized by the Crescent and Star.  The Crescent  is the early phase of the moon and represents progress. The star signifies illumination with the light of knowledge.  Islam by definition means submission and has the extended meaning of peace.

Buddhism—Dharma Wheel:  Buddhism's Dharma Wheel and its eight points symbolize the various types of living (Eightfold Path) that lead to a peaceful existence in the world.  The Buddha, reputed to have lived in India during the 6th century BCE, is an example of individual peace and the end to suffering through enlightenment.

Sikhism—Khanda: The Sikh symbol, the Khanda, is composed of the double-edged sword in the centre, surrounded by the circle (chakra), with the kirpan on both sides.  It represents union with God, and the importance of divine knowledge, action, and devotion while living peacefully.

Earth Religions—Three Goddess symbol: The Three Goddess symbol uses the waxing, full and waning moons to illustrate the three stages of a woman's life.  Wiccans believe all living things possess a soul, and therefore all have the right to live.

Judaism—Chai  symbol within the Star of David:  The Jewish belief in peace and harmony is reflected in the integration of Chai (life and good luck) with the Star of David, a traditional symbol of the Jewish peoples. “Judaism may be characterized as a religion of deed, a ‘Way’ of action by which people attempt to respond to God's teachings and principles.”  (Bruce Sarbit).

Native Religions—Sweet Grass in a Smudge Bowl: Smudging is a ritual of purification performed before any ceremony or sacred rite.  According to Native religious beliefs, human beings should strive to live each day in balance and harmony with themselves and other parts of creation.

Hinduism—Aum:  The symbol Aum is the closest verbal expression of Brahman, the universal essence of the soul.  This symbol is often chanted during puja (worship), and is visually represented on many objects.

Baha’i—Nine Pointed Star: The symbol of the Nine Pointed Star reflects the Baha’i faith’s high regard for world harmony, peace, and equality.  Baha’is strive to “make humanity into one global family and the earth into one homeland”

Christianity—Cross: The Cross is a representation of Jesus whom Christians accept as Christ (the Messiah) and the Son of God.  They believe that Jesus died on the cross to deliver all people from their sins, and emphasize love, peace, service, and forgiveness.  They recognize the Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Daoism—Tai symbol of Peace:  Daoism, a religion of China, is represented by the symbol of the hexagram Tai from the Classic of Changes (I-Ching/Yijing).  It means peace and indicates harmony between earth (the three broken lines) and heaven (the three unbroken lines).

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The Religion Department ~ Brandon University ~ Brandon, MB, Canada