The Lotus-Heart Restaurant in Cathedral Square was the site of the opening dinner for the Australasian section of the World Harmony Run 2010.

After violent storms in preceding days, the weather was fine and warm.

The dinner was the last chance to buy a ticket for the World Harmony Run fundraising raffle.

Trees for Canterbury kindly donated 70 native seedlings which were offered to our special guests to plant as peace trees. Shardul Dillicar discussed the spiritual significance of trees.

Jogyata Dallas from Auckland was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Joining us were over 50 special guests noted for their contribution to the community in many different fields.

Local musicians performed songs of peace composed by Run founder Sri Chinmoy.

Guests watched a video presentation of the Run, which has visited over 140 countries since its inception in 1987.

The magnificent view from the window of the restaurant.

The Lotus-Heart chefs prepared a global meal with dishes from the six continents of the world that the World Harmony Run visits.

Prachar Stegemann (left) joined us from Canberra, where the closing ceremony of the Australasian section will take place on 23 November. Budhsamudra Knox from Auckland is coordinator of the North Island section of the Run.

The North American dish was burgers!

Anna, Jo and Yolanda from the Christchurch vegetarian centre enjoying the dessert.

Yani Johansen, recently re-elected councillor for Hagley-Ferrymead district.

Katz Cowley, talented local artist and illustrator of the acclaimed children's book, "The Wonky Donkey".

Rob Green from the Peace Foundation.

Kate Dewes, also from the Peace Foundation and advisor to the UN on nuclear disarmament.

Peter Mechaelis, representing the Lion's Club, whose motto is "We Serve".

Emily Miazga, three-time winner of the Coast to Coast and creator of Em's Power Cookies.

Sam Johnson received the Torch-Bearer Award for mobilising over 2,500 student volunteers to assist with the tremendous task of cleaning up after the recent earthquake.

Champion marathon runner Rowan Hooper was one of the lucky winners of the raffle whcih was drawn at the end of the evening.

All the guests were invited to write their own prayer for peace which they read out. The prayers are now displayed on a board in the restaurant entrance.

– Sukhajata

Team Members:
Jogyata Dallas (New Zealand), Prachar Stegeman (Australia), Budhsamudra Knox (New Zealand), Sukhajata Cranfield (New Zealand), Apaguha Vesely (Czech Republic), Harita Davies (New Zealand), Vettri L. Angel (Guatemala), Becky Xerri (Wales), Shumbhanni Juarez (Guatemala), Nishima Knowsley (New Zealand), Vajin Armstrong (New Zealand), Manju Jackson (New Zealand), Keith Jackson (New Zealand), Marama Markman (New Zealand), Susan Marshall (New Zealand)

Gallery: See more images!