request you find sponsors for me to attend the Parliament and permit me
to address the gathering to say something on the subject for 3 minutes
Once
B Basavalingappa said:We were Buddhists.We are Buddhists. We continue
to be Buddhists.The title Buddha means Awaken One with
Awareness.Therefore, we had inter-religious harmony. We have
inter-religious harmony. And inter-religious will continue which is of
the inter-religious people by the inter-religious people and for the
inter-religious people for harmony, peace, welfare and happiness of all
societies.
The Early Years of the Interfaith Movement
The legacy of the 1893 World Parliament of Religions did not live up
to the high hopes of its organizers. There was a legacy. The Parliament created awareness among some
that there are “wells of truth outside Christianity.” Historian Sidney
Ahlstrom said it began the slow change by which Protestant America was
to become a multi-racial society. Swami Vivekananda and Dharmapala
established continuing Vedanta and Buddhist groups in the United States.
The Parliament also stimulated the academic study of religions. The
Haskell lectureship endowment at the University of Chicago brought
distinguished scholars of “comparative religion” to the school and
enabled Henry Barrows, secretary of the Parliament, to lecture in Asia.
In 1901 the first meeting of the International Congress for the
History of Religions (IAHR) was held as part of the Paris Universal
Exposition, though this was for the scientific study of religions and
not for interfaith dialogue. The distinguished scholar Joseph Kitagawa
wrote, “it becomes clear that what the Parliament contributed to Eastern
religions was not comparative religion as such. Rather Barrows and his
colleagues should receive credit for initiating what we call today the
‘dialogue among various religions,’ in which each religious claim for
ultimacy is acknowledged.”
Initial Institutional Developments
IARF
activities continue today around the world. This recent gathering was
in Andhra Pradesh.
Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions Chair of the Board of Trustees, Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid
Religious
harmony is vital for peace, progress and prosperity in our
multi-caste, multi-racial and multi-religious Nation to strengthen
caste, racial religious harmony through mutual tolerance, confidence, respect,
and understanding and thereby ensure that religion will not be abused to create conflict and disharmony in the world.
- Humanity everywhere is bound together, not only by mutual interests,
but by shared commandments to loving kindness and compassion; with the support of friends
on every continent, a draft resolution is introduced for an annual
World Inter-religious harmony. World’s people, in their own places of worship, could
express the teachings of their own faith about tolerance, respect for
the other and peace.
Following is the full text of the The Parliament of World’s religion resolution:
- The Parliament of World’s religion,
- Recalling the
declaration and programme of action relating to a culture of peace; concerning the promotion of a culture of peace and
non-violence; on the promotion of religious
and cultural understanding, harmony and cooperation; on the elimination of all forms of intolerance and
discrimination based on religion or belief;
- On the promotion of inte-religious and
intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, and on the Alliance of Civilizations. Recognising
the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions in
enhancing mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people.
Recalling with appreciation various global, regional and sub-regional
initiatives on mutual understanding and interfaith harmony including,
inter alia, the Tripartite Forum for Interfaith Cooperation for Peace,
and the “A Common Word”.
- Recognising that the moral imperatives of all religions,
convictions, and beliefs call for peace, tolerance, and mutual
understanding:
- Reaffirms that mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace.
- Proclaims always World’s inter-religious harmony between all religions, faiths and beliefs.
- Encourages all States to support, on a voluntary basis, the spread
of the message of inter-religious harmony and goodwill in the world’s Monasteries,
churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship always based on Loving kindness, each according to
their own religious traditions or convictions.
It
is the woman who bears the labor pain to give birth to a male or female
or other child treating them equally with lots of loving kindness and
compassion. Man does not bear this pain. So he created all sorts of
external forces for his personal entertainment and to amuse others.
Hence different castes, races and religions came into being. At the same
time conflicts. So encourage all mothers to support the ruling heads on
an equal term to spread the message of loving kindness and compassion
for a real inter-religious harmony to encourage the children to grow
with equality, fraternity and liberty.
Individuals and communities who are equally invested in attaining this goal are invited.
Approach
Meeting
of Buddhist and Muslim Leaders in Bangkok to establish new action on
stabilizing interreligious conflicts in the South and Southeast Asian
region.
Photo By The International Network of Engaged Buddhists
The
Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions applauded the
coalition of Buddhist and Muslim leaders from South and South East
Asia which met in Bangkok on June 16th to endorse the 2006 Dusit
Declaration,
and to commit to act cooperatively with new proposals to stabilize
inter-religious relations in the region. This coalition inspired the
hope that conflict manifesting in violence, like the attacks in
Bodhgaya, that can be prevented for being a model of cooperation and
tolerance in the South
East Asian region.
Highlights of the 2006 Dusit Declaration included efforts to encourage
media outlets to be more evenhanded towards both religions in their
broadcasting, the expansion of unbiased religious perspectives taught in
children’s classrooms, and a new emphasis on inter-religious harmony in
politicians’ reforms.
The declarations made in Thailand (found in this International Buddhist-Muslim Joint Statement) focus
on the potential benefits of tolerance: “We are also deeply aware that
if Buddhist and Muslim communities can overcome the challenges that
confront them, there is tremendous potential for the growth and
development of ideas and values that may help to transform the region.”
The coalition organized by the International Network of Engaged
Buddhists (INEB), the International Movement for a Just World (JUST),
and Religions for Peace (RfP) included representatives from seven
countries with the allegiance of some international participants.
The
Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions seeks to promote
interreligious harmony, rather than unity. The problem with seeking
unity among religions is the risk of loss of the unique and precious
character of each individual religious and spiritual tradition; this
understanding is key to our framework.
Interreligious harmony, on
the other hand, is an attainable and highly desirable goal. Such an
approach respects, and is enriched by, the particularities of each
tradition. Moreover, within each tradition are the resources
(philosophical, theological and spiritual teachings and perspectives)
that enable each to enter into respectful, appreciative and cooperative
relationships with persons and communities of other traditions.
Spiritual,Social and Political Transformation
We
live in a world of difference. Yet, we are interdependent. Nowhere is
learning to live with difference more important than religion. Too
often, religion is misused as an instrument for division and injustice,
betraying the very ideals and teachings that lie at the heart of each of
the world’s great traditions. At the same time, religious and spiritual
traditions shape the lives of billions in wise and wonderful ways. They
gather people in communities of shared beliefs and practices. When
these diverse communities work in harmony for the common good, there is
hope that the world can be transformed. Over the years, the Council has
initiated dialogues and nurtured relationships among people of
difference. In doing so the Council has provided a framework for
expressing many visions of a just, peaceful and sustainable future. In
the process, religious and spiritual communities have discovered a
shared commitment to ethical principles. This shared commitment has
opened the way for a new era of cooperative action among the world’s
religious and spiritual communities as well as civil and political
societies. The well-being of the Earth and all life depends on this
collaboration.
Parliament of the World’s Religions-Global Ethic
Basis
for an ethic already exists. This ethic offers the possibility of a
better individual and global order, and leads individuals away from
despair and societies away from chaos.
We are women and men who have embraced the precepts and practices of the world’s religions:
We
must affirm that a common set of core values is found in the teachings
of the religions, and that these form the basis of a global ethic.
We must affirm that this truth is already known, but yet to be lived in heart and action.
We
must affirm that there is an irrevocable, unconditional norm for all
areas of life, for families and communities, for races, nations, and
religions.
There already exist ancient guidelines for human
behavior which are found in the teachings of the religions of the world
and which are the condition for a sustainable world order.
We declare:
We
are interdependent. Each of us depends on the well-being of the whole,
and so we have respect for the community of living beings, for people,
animals, and plants, and for the preservation of Earth, the air, water
and soil.
http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=35&sn=1
Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions
10,000 People. 80 Nations. 50 Faiths.
Register • Exhibit • Sponsor
What: The 2015 Parliament of the World’s Religions
When: October 15 - 19, 2015
Where: Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
The Parliament is the oldest, the largest, and the most inclusive gathering of people of all faith and traditions.
The
first Parliament took place in 1893. Since, this historic event has
taken place in Chicago, USA • Cape Town, South Africa • Barcelona,
Spain • Melbourne, Australia - and now in Salt Lake City, Utah!
Who Should Attend?
If you care for religions and nations working together in harmony with each other for the good of humanity, you should attend.
You must attend…
…if you are concerned about wars, terrorism, and hate,
…if you care for creation or are worried about climate change,
…if you are troubled by the widening wealth gap and wasteful consumption
…Because
there will be Nobel Laureates, experts, religious leaders, master
trainers and activists at the Parliament who will share their opinions
with you in panels, workshops, and plenaries on these issues.
You will also find:
Trainings in dialogue, interfaith activism, fundraising, and organizing
World-class religious music, films, exhibits and performances
And shop ethnic, international, religious books & things
Your Opportunity to Share
In break-out sessions and circles you will share your opinions and ideas with others.
Networking & Connections
The
Parliament is a great networking opportunity. 60 percent of people who
attend are well-connected networkers around interfaith and common
causes.
You can attend to share your faith, listen to others and ask questions.
Most people, however, attend because of the extraordinary experience and relationships which are formed at the Parliament.
How Much Does it Cost to Attend the Parliament?
You can register for as low as $150 to attend if you qualify and do it today.
Pricing
will go up to $550 if you register later. However, right now, you can
access advance discounts open now for families, spouses, groups (like
congregations, university classes, peace organizations), individuals,
and children, too. The Parliament is committed to involving families and
children in the Interfaith movement.
Limited assistance is available for those who are most in need is available. Apply here.
STUDENTS
The Time To Register Is Now To Take Advantage Of An Advance Student Discount!
Register • Exhibit • Sponsor
Registration and housing options range from camping, hostels, and hotels at affordable to world-class levels to meet your needs.
Once you register, reserved Parliament hotel blocks at Parliament-only rates are made accessible to you.
Note: 3,000 people were turned away at the door at the 1993 Parliament by fire marshals. So register early to avoid that hassle!
Camping
We are in serious negotiations to provide camping facilities.
Food Concerns
There
will be a food court offering all type of food options - from vegan, to
kosher, to halal - while there are all sort of restaurants surrounding
the convention center. And keep praying for a free langar!
Register • Exhibit• Sponsor
Attend the 2015 Golden Banquet
At
the heart of the Parliament will be an award gala. It will be hosted by
stars who make our world a better place to live by following the Golden
rule. It is intended to raise funds for the future of the interfaith
movement which struggles in the absence of funding. You can buy tickets
for Golden Banquet at registration.
If you are unable to attend please make a gift through our secure, tax-deductible gifts page here.
Salt Lake & National Parks of Utah are Waiting for You
Lakeside
beauty, small town hospitality, and a global outlook are just some of
the charms of Salt Lake. Home to a bustling interfaith community, the
diversity of Salt Lake City is heard in over 100 languages spoken.
A
stunning Rocky Mountain skyline is only one of its natural attractions.
With a commitment to green space and ultra-convenient public transit,
2015 Parliament participants will discover a city truly worth its salt.
Advertise, Sponsor, or Host an Exhibition at the Parliament
A full sponsorship informational package is now available at sponsor.parliamentofreligions.org
Host a Pre-Parliament Event
Parliament
Ambassadors and interested organizations host pre-Parliament events to
share the opportunity to come to a Parliament within their communities,
and to bring critical relationships and actions to the Parliament from
interfaith action at the grassroots level across the world. Contact
preparliament@parliamentofreligions.org for more information.
Sponsor a Student
These
gifts will help pass the torch of the interfaith movement to a vibrant
generation of emerging voices. You can offer these gifts at
registration. If you are unable to attend the 2015 Parliament but would
like to make a gift, we thank you to visit our secure, tax-deductible
gifts page here.
Whereas students are leading the charge in many
areas a Parliament addresses, since they are students with limited
budgets (not to mention the whole student loan thing!) their
participation in the interfaith movement is constrained. For that reason
we have reduced student registration to only $150 when they register
early. At the same time, we are inviting you to offset that cost by
donating for our student fund. Some of the attendees will need
scholarships.
Apply here.
Have Questions?
Great. Email us at 2015@parliamentofreligions.org
Tweet us @InterfaithWorld and tell us why you’re attending the #2015PARLIAMENT
It will do Extraordinary for you,
Do natural for Your Mind,
It will do Supernatural for you,
Do possible for Your Mind,
It’ll do the Impossible for you”.
“Believe in Your Mind, Trust It.”
Religions was created to cultivate harmony among the world’s religious
and spiritual communities and foster their engagement with the world and
its guiding institutions in order to achieve a just, peaceful and
sustainable world in which:
- Religious and spiritual communities live in harmony and contribute to a better world from their riches of wisdom and compassion
- Religious and cultural fears and hatreds are replaced with understanding and respect
- People everywhere come to know and care for their neighbors
- The richness of human and religious diversity is woven into the fabric of communal, civil, societal and global life
- The world’s most powerful and influential institutions move beyond narrow self-interest to realize common good
- The Earth and all life are cherished, protected, healed and restored
- All people commit to living out their highest values and aspirations.
individuals and communities who are equally invested in attaining this goal are invited.
Approach
The Council for a Parliament of the World’s
Religions seeks to promote interreligious harmony, rather than unity.
The problem with seeking unity among religions is the risk of loss of
the unique and precious character of each individual religious and
spiritual tradition; this understanding is key to our framework.
Interreligious harmony, on the other hand, is an attainable and highly
desirable goal. Such an approach respects, and is enriched by, the
particularities of each tradition. Moreover, within each tradition are
the resources (philosophical, theological and spiritual teachings and
perspectives) that enable each to enter into respectful, appreciative
and cooperative relationships with persons and communities of other
traditions.
Spiritual, Social and Political Transformation
We live in a world of difference. Yet, we are
interdependent. Nowhere is learning to live with difference more
important than religion.
Too often, religion is misused as an instrument for division and
injustice, betraying the very ideals and teachings that lie at the heart
of each of the world’s great traditions. At the same time, religious
and spiritual traditions shape the lives of billions in wise and
wonderful ways. They gather people in communities of shared beliefs and
practices. When these diverse communities work in harmony for the common
good, there is hope that the world can be transformed.
Over the years, the Council has initiated dialogues and nurtured
relationships among people of difference. In doing so the Council has
provided a framework for expressing many visions of a just,
peaceful and sustainable future. In the process, religious and
spiritual communities have discovered a shared commitment to ethical
principles.
This shared commitment has opened the way for a new era of cooperative
action among the world’s religious and spiritual communities as well as
civil and political societies. The well-being of the Earth and all life
depends on this collaboration.
Parliament of the World’s Religions-Global Ethic
Basis
for an ethic already exists. This ethic offers the possibility of a
better individual and global order, and leads individuals away from
despair and societies away from chaos.
We are women and men who have embraced the precepts and practices of the world’s religions:
We
must affirm that a common set of core values is found in the teachings
of the religions, and that these form the basis of a global ethic.
We must affirm that this truth is already known, but yet to be lived in heart and action.
We
must affirm that there is an irrevocable, unconditional norm for all
areas of life, for families and communities, for races, nations, and
religions.
There already exist ancient guidelines for
human behavior which are found in the teachings of the religions of the
world and which are the condition for a sustainable world order.
We declare:
We
are interdependent. Each of us depends on the well-being of the whole,
and so we have respect for the community of living beings, for people,
animals, and plants, and for the preservation of Earth, the air, water
and soil.
http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=35&sn=1
When: October 15 - 19, 2015
Where: Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
-
Trainings in dialogue, interfaith activism, fundraising, and organizing
-
World-class religious music, films, exhibits and performances
-
And shop ethnic, international, religious books & things
Tweet us @InterfaithWorld and tell us why you’re attending the #2015PARLIAMENT