Peace Vigil by Anton Somlai

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Hear a radio interview with Peace Vigil author Tony Somlai

Monday, 16 November 2009 13:28
Hear Master Teacher Tony Somlai, author of Peace Vigil, on WGTD's 91.1 FM morning radio show. Radio host Greg Berg interviewed Tony about his new book, Buddhism, peace and gardening. Download an MP3 of the interview here.

Intensive Peace Workshop

Sunday, 25 October 2009 11:26
Thanks to all who attended Anton and Linda Somlai's "Intensive Peace Workshop" on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Original Root Zen Center. The day truly reflected the workshop's mantra: "Peaceful, graceful and kind." Stay in touch for future workshops and events sponsored by Dragon Mountain Press.

Peaceful, Graceful and Kind

Monday, 12 October 2009 09:17

By Anton Somlai

What if nothing were wrong? It would be interesting to see how your life would unfold with the belief that this moment was enough and did not need anything else. Of course, there is nothing else you can add to this moment. It is already complete. Usually, what we add is in the next moment when we express dissatisfaction with the previous moment. And there we are, creating the never ending suffering of never being satisfied. Rather than cleaning the messy house we bemoan the idea of being overwhelmed. In our confusion, we search for a quiet place never realizing that it is within us. We wonder who will come to save us and never clearly see that we created the problem and are the only one who will help guide us out of the darkness. How would you lead your life if nothing was wrong?

Let’s try the following and see if it is of any help. When the dishes are dirty, wash them, dry them, and put them away. The correct relationship with dishes is a very simple, and yet profoundly sacred, job. The plate has the honor of presenting the remains of beings so that your life may continue. Your relationship with the dish is to help it in preparation for the next meal. The harmony you develop with your dishware will help you realize the pleasing synchronicity with your surroundings. Finding this harmonious relationship is PEACEFUL.

There is an elegant way to connect with this life. It can be done with ease and without any hesitation. Without holding, attachment, or wanting, any situation is an opportunity to bring compassion into existence. Do this without any effort and you are GRACEFUL.

The Buddha never gave a reason as to why things are the way they are. He simply saw cause and effect for what it is. Never having to make a problem, never bringing harm, never creating suffering, comes from the root of love and being KIND.

Respond to your surroundings clearly and there is PEACE. Do so without any hesitation and there is GRACE. Extinguish all causes for suffering and you are KIND.

Try this simple mantra for the next 30 days and see if you can gracefully practice peace to bring kindness to others. Let us know how it works for you.

PEACEFUL
GRACEFUL
AND KIND

Everyday peace in difficult times

Monday, 03 August 2009 08:22

Racine author and Zen teacher Anton Somlai will give a talk at Sheepish in Downtown Racine at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 23 about his new book, "Peace Vigil – Living Without Hesitation."

Somlai, a peace teacher and student for 40 years, teaches how to quiet thinking so our natural peace energy can appear. "Peace Vigil" lays out a 108-day peace practice that uses concrete insights, teachings and homework assignments to help the reader on the peace path.

Somlai's appearance at Sheepish will include a brief talk, an exercise from the book and a chance to ask questions. Linda Somlai, also a master teacher at the Original Root Zen Center in Racine, will give a reading from "Peace Vigil." Copies of the book will be for sale at a special, discounted price.

Somlai's talk comes at an important time. Many people are facing stress and difficulties in their lives due to the struggling economy. Lost jobs, lack of access to health care and changes in society are placing stressors on our everyday lives. "Peace Vigil" offers a path out of this suffering.

"The greatest logic is to create a peaceful life that helps others," Somlai writes in Day 20 of "Peace Vigil."

"It is time to fearlessly wake up to the mind that insists peace is hopeless."

Dragon Mountain Press recently published "Peace Vigil" in 2009. DMP is a small press in Racine, Wis. dedicated to publishing books on peace, healing and helping.

Sheepish is a wonderful healing and wellness store located at 326 Main St. in Racine, Wis. They carry a huge variety of natural herbs, teas and medicines, contemplative supplies, stones, music and books, including all of Dragon Mountain Press's offerings.

About the Author

Anton M. Somlai is co-founder of the Original Root Zen Center (ORZC) in Racine, Wisconsin where he currently practices as a Zen Buddhist Master Teacher.

His previous books include: Human Cycles (2003), 49-Day Peace Retreat (2004), Finding Your Direction (2005) and Be The Way (2006).

He is also a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin where he is the Associate Director at the Center for AIDS Intervention Research.

He lives with his wife Linda Somlai, who also co-founded ORZC and is a Master Teacher at the Zen Center. They have two sons, five grandchildren and two cats.

Finding Peace in a Time of Chaos and Uncertainty: Intensive Peace Retreat Workshop

Tuesday, 21 July 2009 09:31

Master Teachers Linda and Tony Somlai will lead a one-day workshop on Oct. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Original Root Zen Center in Racine, Wisconsin. The workshop will cost $75 and includes lunch, break treats, a copy of Tony Somlai's book, Peace Vigil and learning materials.

Here is a description of the class:

Peace is not a big idea. Peace is like a small pebble dropped into a suffering pond; the waves will touch all beings. This Peace Retreat Workshop is intended to provide participants with concrete skills they can use in their everyday lives to help themselves and others. The key elements of the retreat are broadly based on basic Buddhist principals of non-violence, peaceful coexistence, and loving-kindness. What makes the workshop unique is that the theory and skills are based on action and active ways of responding to the problems we are facing today.

ORZC is located on the historic DeKoven Center campus on Lake Michigan in Racine. Overnight accomodations are available. Single rooms are $55 per night; double rooms are $60.

If you are interested in class, please contact Dustin Block at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (262) 488-3419.