The Roerich Pact was signed on April 15, 1935, by twenty-one nations of the Americas, all the members of the Pan-American Union at the time, in the White House, in the presence of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
As an International Treaty for cultural protection, the Pact declared that all cultural sites should be considered neutral in time of war and in peace. The Banner of Peace by Nicholas Roerich was especially adopted on the Treaty to identify historic monuments, museums, scientific, artistic, educational and cultural institutions as treasures of the people and the world. Therefore, the Banner is also known as the Red Cross of Culture.
The three dots on the Banner of Peace (see illustration) represent Art, Science, and Religion surrounded by the circle of the totality, embracing the three most refined, enlightened expressions of human activity. For Nicholas Roerich, Culture is related to cultivation of Light and Fiery Creativity as unique essence of every people; as sublime note of distinction.
The symbol is also associated with the past, present and future inside of the Circle of Eternity. It appears in ancient illustrations of distinct cultures in different times. Archetypally, the trinitary evokes the driving force of the cosmic evolution, leading us to the Infinity. Despite the local differences, the Pact Roerich reminds us the importance of this intrinsic connection to the Eternity. As individuals, we can certainly establish this path by cultivating love, compassion, and profound contemplation. As collectivity, we conquer by protecting the Culture of Light.
May all beings be happy!
May all beings be free!
May all beings be light!
By Andrea Ruf, Ph.D., (andrearuf2013@gmail.com)
psychotherapist, neuroscientist on Mindfulness, qualified MBSR Instructor by Medical School, University of Massachusetts.
International Relationship Advisor of the Brazilian Roerich Institute, Headquarter in Salvador, Bahia.
Collaborator of the Urusvati House, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo.