Larry Ward: A True Great Sound—Poetry as Spiritual Practice

Dr. Peggy Ward and Sister Peace join Resiliency Within to share the wisdom and poems of Dr. Larry Ward.

In this conversation, Dr. Peggy Rowe-Ward reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. Larry Ward and his first poetry collection, Morning Night. She explores how Larry understood poetry—reading it, writing it, and living it—as a powerful form of spiritual practice.

As a true great sound and one of the few Black Dharma teachers in his tradition, Larry was a trailblazer who bridged Buddhist and Christian lineages and broke through cultural and spiritual barriers with depth, humor, and clarity.

This session invites listeners into the spirit of Morning Night and the way Larry's words continue to guide us home. His book, Morning Night, was his first published collection of poems, where he explored race, nature , and spirit, woven with messages of hope, justice, and belonging. Sister Peace will lend her voice to his eloquent poetry.  

Dr. Larry Ward transitioned from this life in August 2025.  His grounded presence and deep insight helped many people worldwide through challenging moments with compassion and clarity, planting seeds of understanding.

Dr. Peggy Rowe Ward, Larry's wife, was in partnership in love and work—two luminous teachers whose shared vision blossomed through their work at the Lotus Institute. Having also trained at the Trauma Resource Institute, Larry's understanding of both trauma healing and mindfulness made him a bridge between worlds—the spiritual and the scientific, the personal and the collective. His life was a testament to compassion in action, and his teachings continue to ripple outward, touching countless hearts with the deep sound of love and wisdom.

His poems reflect his deep connection to the wonder within all of us.  You can learn more about his work under the leadership of Dr. Peggy Rowe Ward. https://www.thelotusinstitute.org.