History of the Sunray Peace Village

History of the Sunray Peace Village

The Sunray Peace Village (2202 Downingsville Road, Lincoln, VT) is modeled after places of sanctuary traditional to the Cherokee and other Native American nations of the Southeast. Inspired by the Tsalagi (Cherokee) tradition, the Village is called “Odali Utugi”, or Hope Mountain. The Peace Village and Sunray Meditation Society(SMS) - an international spiritual society dedicated to planetary peace - are guided by the Venerable Dhyani Ywahoo, 27th generation lineage holder, Chief of the Green Mountain Band of the Cherokee Nation, and revered Tibetan Buddhist teacher.

The Peace Village is the global home and central place of worship of Sunray Meditation Society. Ven. Dhyani Ywahoo and other Native and Tibetan Buddhist teachers give teachings and lead educational programs here. This unique combination of the vibrant and intact Native American and Buddhist spiritual traditions was prophesied in ancient times by both cultures:

“When the iron bird flies and horses run on wheels, the Tibetan people will be scattered like ants across the face of the earth and the Dharma will come to the land of the red men.”

Padmasambhava, Indian Buddhist Guru who helped spread Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century, A.D.

“When the iron bird flies, the red-robed people of the East who have lost their land will appear, and the two brothers from across the great ocean will be reunited.”

From the Book of Hopi

Timeline of the Peace Village at Odali Utugi:

1969: the Cherokee Elders of Ven. Dhyani Ywahoo request that ancient teachings be brought forward and offered to people from all walks of life, in the hopes that the teachings and ceremonies would change the consciousness of the human family and avert massive destruction of the earth. These Elders instruct her to move to the head of the Appalachian Mountain chain.
1979-1983: Ven. Dhyani moves to the Huntington, then Lincoln area. Sunray Mediation Society incorporated with the State of Vermont and granted 501(c)3 taxexempt status by the IRS as a church. Esteemed Tibetan Buddhist leaders recognize Ven. Dhyani and Sunray as carriers of that ancient stream of wisdom. Native Elders, great Tibetan Buddhist teachers, and students/pilgrims worldwide have been gathering at Sunray ever since, to pray, study, and keep the ceremonial integrity of both traditions.
1987: SMS purchased the 27 acre “Mountain Meadows Campground” from Irving and Marylin Melendy. The campground had 40 permitted campsites, an office/caretaker’s cabin, recreation hall and two bathhouses. To this, SMS adds a sacred arbor, where outdoor ceremonies can be performed year-round.
1994/5: Sunray Peace Village Land Trust (SPVLT), an arm of SMS, incorporates as a Vermont religious and charitable organization.
1996 (December): His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche, head of the Drikung Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism, consecrates a site in the Peace Village for the building of a Peace Stupa. A stupa is a buddhist reliquary statue that represents the Mind of Enlightenment: a sacred place for prayer and contemplation.
1997 (July): SPVLT formally purchases the Peace Village from SMS.
1998: 13 sided Deltec clear span erected as an office and meeting space, replacing previous caretaker’s cabin.
2001: Peace Stupa built.
2003: Lotus Labyrinth – another sacred site – constructed at the eastern edge of the property near the ceremonial arbor. “…..the labyrinth is here to keep the spiritual dialogue open – to be a reminder that there are a number of paths to the sacred.”
2005: Groundblessing of the Vajra Dakini Nunnery, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastic residential temple for women in North America.
2009: Temple of the Adawees, Wise Protectors is supplied with new hardwood floors, new shrines, and other improvements. It is available for year-round teachings.
The Sunray Peace Village plays a vital role in the larger Lincoln community, attracting visitors from all over the world and sounding the note of religious diversity and inclusiveness. It is a place of peace for all.

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