POWR seeks a global ethic

pluralism and focus on global concerns.

In 1893, in the Chicago Parliament of World Religions, Swami Vivekananda received a standing ovation from a crowd of seven thousand for his opening remark “Brothers and Sisters of America” as he introduced Hinduism to the West. A century and a bit later in the 2009 Parliament of World Religions (POWR), the Dalai Lama received similar, if not equal, adulation when he said that the world faced a moral crisis that only inner values such as compassion could solve. Both the speakers discussed peace and diversity in the context of interreligious understanding, cooperation and universality that constitutes the main spirit of POWR.

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The 2009 POWR was held in Melbourne recently, bringing together the world’s religious and spiritual communities, leaders and followers to discuss and find answers to various issues such as global poverty, indigenous reconciliation, climate change and environmental care. The week–long convention, co hosted by the Melbourne City Government, gathered the world’s faiths like Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhs, Jains, Zorastrians, Bahai’s, Native Americans and

The theme for the fifth POWR event was “Make a World of Difference: Hearing each other, Healing the earth” — an essential focus for our times. With multiple panels, workshops, lectures, worship and music events taking place simultaneously, it was hard to comprehensively cover the entire event; however selected sampling of the spiritual fare compelled many, including me, to expand our theological horizons. The spiritual perspectives were diverse, but a common realization bound all the participants and attendees that it is going to take all collective prayers, collective consciousness, and spiritual resources to move the world forward.

In what can be termed as the broadest possible range of spirituality and religious experience, the POWR offered some moving oratory, involving rituals, soothing music and interesting discussions. Besides running from room to room listening to the speakers, I spent some time admiring the ornate Buddhist pray area, taking a stress test at the Scientology section and getting a healing session at the Shinji Shumeikai booth. I photographed young Sikh kids from a village in Punjab as they walked past, resplendent in traditional clothing. I browsed for hours through the rich treasure of books, pamphlets and displays at the exhibition. As I threaded my way through the mind boggling variety of enriching experiences on offer, I felt for the hundreds and thousands who did not or could not attend this event for several reasons, including the prohibitive cost. If nothing else, the event, if absorbed in its true spirit, had the potential to guide individuals towards the ultimate religious value - creation of a decent human being. There was a strong presence of Hindu and Sikh speakers at the Convention. Renowned speakers like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from Art of Living Foundation, Dadi Janki Raja Yogini from Bramha Kumaris, Dada J P Waswani head of Sadhu Waswani mission,

Amma Sri Karunamayi from Penusila Ashram, His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji were some of the Hindu spiritual leaders who spoke at the POWR. The Sikh Diaspora was represented by Kuldeep Singh President of the Sikh Youth of America, Bhai Mohinder Singh from Guru Nanak Nishkam Seva jatha, UK, Jagdeep Singh Shergill from Victorian Multicultural Association, Dr Balwant Singh Hansra, Dr Sangat Singh Syalee, Dr Balwant Singh Dhillon, Dr Devinder Singh Chahal and many more.

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The 2009 POWR was attended by approximately 5000 people with the maximum numbers attending the closing ceremony to hear the Dalai Lama’s address. It was ironic to see that metal detectors were installed for the first and only time to ensure the safety of a man who embodies peace and global unity. It also reflected on the fact that the world sees religions as the main cause for pain, strife and war, and if the world’s religions can get out of their fear and work together and help each other in promoting the same ideals, ideas and value systems, religion can be a major force in helping people. “The problems of this world are spiritual problems,” declared the Dalai Lama, “and can never be solved by material means.” He challenged the council of POWR to ensure that the Parliament would not simply be a social gathering, but that it would provide the impetus and inspiration to implement acts of love and compassion worldwide.