3rd Annual Interfaith Retreat in Naperville, Illinois

The 2006 Interfaith Retreat was held on a balmy early spring day of March 11th at the Science of Spirituality Center in Naperville. Tom Lumpkin, PhD, welcomed the attentive public and panel presenters, introducing this year’s interfaith theme “Seeking God in the Global Community.” He said “Interfaith gatherings provide an opportunity for each of us to take a look at how others view the world and experience God.”

Recalling two powerful water events of this past year—the Asian Tsunami and the flooding of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast—Lumpkin also introduced the theme of a River of Faith. Quoting the Hebrew Scriptures, Psalm 46 he read “There is a river whose streams make glad the City of God ...” He described the majestic Grand Canyon as a humbling sight formed by water that over many years had broken through the earth. Lumpkin suggested interfaith provides everyone an opportunity “to chip away at hardened faith to become the great one river that would make God glad.” A benediction from Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj was read by Katheryn Krueger and a period of silent contemplation followed. A shabad was sung to begin the program.

Keynote Address

Reverend Bob Thompson of the Lake Street Church in Evanston, Illinois gave an insightful keynote address. He opened his talk by saying relationships are challenging. In order for them to be healthy they must be grounded in a deeper truth. Thompson recounted the story of two monks who were arguing by a flagpole. One said “The wind is moving.” The other said “The flag is moving.” A passing Zen master said “It is not the wind or the flag that is moving, it is your mind.” It is only when we know who we really are can we live together, said Thompson.

Thompson pointed to the disguises all human beings wear, saying the difficult part for each of us is viewing God in the “other” who is different than us. Our spiritual purpose in life is to see God in the person we want to turn away from. He described an instance in his own life when he sat with the homeless in the basement of his Lake Street Church. He noticed his subtle arrogance and the quiet whisper in his mind that wanted to say, “I am better than you.” We all have some form of this type of egotism to overcome to become selfless.

There are two types of mysticism identified by Thompson: extraordinary experience attained through meditation and rising above body consciousness and ordinary experience that involves seeking God in mundane life. “We must get over the belief that it’s all about me.” Every faith has addressed the theme that human beings are far greater than the mind can imagine. Referring to water as the lowest body of water on earth, Thompson invited the audience to reflect on the notion that the greater our humility the greater our capacity to empty ourselves and become selfless like a river that flows into the ocean.

He shared a second story where an abbot told a monk to go to the countryside and to thank people and pay people for their insults. The monk did this for three years. When he returned, the abbot then told him he was ready to go to the city. Following the abbot’s instructions the monk went to the city and promptly encountered an old man who heaped insults on the man. The monk burst out laughing and said “I’ve been paying for this for three years and now you are giving it to me for free.” Thompson used this story as a way to illustrate how we must get out of our own way. If we can sit in silence with one another then it will be possible to dialogue with one another without words. As we are open to the other there is a flow of meaning and connection that can occur.

Thompson said our deepest spiritual need is a need for intimacy—a need to belong. He shared a thank you note he received from someone in the hospital he had visited. In this note the woman said “Thank you for becoming a bird’s nest for me – a place for me to rest.” We each need to become a bird’s nest for each other advised Thompson. In so doing we can rest in an accepting space with each other, especially with people who are different. Spiritual unity transcends time and space he said. Who knows when an act of kindness in one place can make a difference in another part of the world? No deed is an orphan. We are all interconnected. We each must seek the God in one another and bring this into our everyday lives.

Panel Discussion

The distinguished panel included Azeem S. Haleem, MD representing Islam; Balwant Singh Hansra PhD, representing Sikhism; Reverend Koyo S. Kubose, PhD of the Buddhist faith; Hema Pokharna, PhD speaking for Jainism; Swami Varadananda representing Hinduism; and Andrew Vidich, PhD representing Science of Spirituality.

Tom Lumpkin, as panel moderator, asked Swami Varadanada to address how Hinduism deals with the individual, group and social agendas. The Swami said that in Vedanta the ancient rishis say man’s real nature is Atman, that behind the whole universe is Brahman and there is a oneness to everything. He said we do not perceive this and so we fight and struggle with one another. The interfaith movement began in Chicago when Swami Vivakananda visited in 1893 and returned to India to start the Ramakrisha movement—service to others done as worship. We cannot appreciate that God is manifesting in others until we have an inner experience. Once we have this inner experience it becomes a reality and all of our work with others is done with spiritual consciousness said Swami Varadananda.

Addressing Reverend Kubose, the Buddhist representative, Lumpkin asked how do Buddhists keep balance between the three jewels: Buddha, the teacher, his teachings and the followers of the teachings known as the sangat? Reverend Kubose answered saying, that Buddhists do not refer to God as a supernatural being that judges and controls, rather they use the word Dharma or Buddha to mean the Truth or ultimate reality. Truth means ‘the way things are’ as opposed to the way we see the world. He went on to explain that Buddhists understand two main teachings: the concept of impermanence and interdependency. All things are constantly changing and all things interact and influence each other. If you touch one part of a mobile the whole network moves. “You can never look at one life without seeing the influence of other lives,” he said. Thus, “Buddhists endeavor to live an enlightened life realizing every moment is precious and everyone is unique. “ Reverend Kubose described the metaphor of a mountain with 84,000 paths. At its base, we all seem so far apart. However, as we progress up the mountain we grow nearer to one another and soon realize we are closer than we thought.

Turning to Dr. Hema Pokharna, the Jain representative, Lumpkin asked her to explain the concept of Anekantavada, a tool used to understand a multiplicity of views. Pokharna related the story of the seven blind men and the elephant who each describe the elephant in a different way. She said in our desire to connect with others we encounter anger, greed, lust and attachment in ourselves. These four qualities get in the way of people connecting with each other. Jains ask themselves questions like “What thoughts, words and actions contribute to serving life? How can I tolerate and stay in relationship with people who do not practice Ahimsa (non-violence) and still be a Jain?” Anekantavada is a prayer and mantra Jains practice to recognize those who have conquered anger, greed, lust and attachment.

Dr. Andrew Vidich, representing Science of Spirituality was asked to address how can meditation as a solitary practice support community life? Vidich said he would rephrase this question to two questions: Who are we and what do we need to be doing here? Often he is asked what religion he belongs to and Vidich answers, “Tell me what religion God belongs to and that is my religion.” He spoke of Kabir, a holy man who said the whole world is a manifestation of God. It is our mind that creates the divisions between us. Vidich said we must look inward and outward simultaneously to see the divine nature within ourselves and in others. We gain this as we invert through meditation.

Dr. Azeem Haleem was asked by the panel moderator to answer the question “Since there are few, if any, distinctions between the sacred and the secular in Islam, are Muslims called to seek God in everything they do?” Haleem responded by saying seeking God’s grace is the purpose of life for Muslims. He quoted a verse from the Koran that says “we have created you in many nations and tribes, not for you to despise each other and fight, but to be pious.” He further explained that Muslims believe everyone will have a day of judgment when they will be called before God to answer for their deeds and non-deeds. The prophets of every nation have been sent a messenger to act as a model for how to live one’s life. Haleem quoted the Koran verse, “Not a leaf falls without God’s permission. God is closer than our own jugular vein.”

Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra, was asked by Lumpkin to address the role of bridging faiths in the Sikh faith. Hansra recounted the story of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism who disappeared briefly in 15th century India during a time of strife and fighting between Muslims and Hindus. When he re-emerged after three days of meditation, Guru Nanak said “There is no Hindu; there is no Muslim. Look at each person and see God in him or in her.” Singh said we came here to accumulate a wealth of Naam by reciting the name of God and to share it together in community. When we share that concentrated energy it elevates our spirituality. Sikhism teaches that we each must seek Truth right here and “practice it, practice it, practice it,” said Hansra.

One member from the audience asked the panel to address the notion of love. Hansra, said all the gurus and saints speak of love for the Creator. While we are to have compassion for people, everything else in the material world will perish, except the Creator. Vidich, relating the teachings of Sant Mat recalled a quote from Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj who said “God is love. The soul is love. The way back to God is love.” Dr. Haleem said God knows what we need before we ask for it. We can be conveyers of God’s mercy and give others what they need before they know they need it.

A second question asked by Rev. Festus Umeojiego, Senior Unity minister from Evanston, “How do we bring these rich, full ideas into our communities?” Pokharna said by modeling and practice—that is enough. Swami Varadananda responded by saying “When the flowers blossom the bees will come.” He went on to relate how our initial experience with religion deepens into an experience of a greater power at work in the world.

Another questioner asked for clarification on the notion of rewards and punishment and heaven and hell. Dr. Pokharna responded by saying Jains are in the here and now. Jains view the occurrence of life is an ongoing process as is death—a brief transition to a new life. Reverend Kubose related the Buddhist story of a Samurai warrior who rushed up to a monk on his horse, as he readied himself to go to battle. He asked the monk to quickly tell him about Heaven and Hell as he realized he could die in battle. The monk told the warrior he would not understand. Then the samurai drew his sword and the monk said, “There open the gates of hell.” The samurai jumped off his horse and prostrated himself at the feet of the monk and the monk said “There open the gates of Heaven.”

The panel was asked to answer the question of how each of their various religions viewed nirvana. Vidich said at the core of all religions is a contemplative practice. He quoted the poet Rumi who wrote “Work as hard in the invisible world as you work in the visible.” Pokharna related the Jain practice of reviewing one’s actions every day whether we have been forgiving and friendly, and ask for friendliness as life has violence inherent in it.

“Is it important for all of us to have a religion to be able to co-mingle with God?” asked an individual from the audience. Swami Varadananda said essentially religion addresses coming in contact with the ultimate Truth. Our state of consciousness determines which religion we find helpful. Hansra answered saying, Sikhs believe most of us follow the religion we are born into. Sikhs believe there is a three-legged stool: God, the Guru and you. If you are at peace with yourself then you have found Heaven in this life. Sikhs believe a spiritual teacher is essential and each person must control his or her own mind. Haleem commented that religion provides a context within which people can begin to lead a spiritual life. Vidich responded by saying that all great teachers deserve our reverence and honor. The problem is not with any religion, rather how we misinterpret their truths and fall short in practicing their teachings. “Each religion is a school,” commented Vidich. “Follow the school and graduate.”

Workshops

After the panel discussion, the audience streamed out of the sanctuary on their way to attend a vegetarian lunch. On their way out, each person chose a rock from the River of Faith basket that corresponded to the afternoon workshop they would attend with a panel representative of their choice. Choices included:

• When Every Breath Becomes a Prayer-Jainism
• Buddhist Life of Suchness: Living an Absolute Life in a Relative World
• The Goal of Meditation - Hinduism
• Islam 101
• Introduction to the Sikh Religion
• Jyoti Meditation: Gateway to the Divine

When Every Breath Becomes a Prayer-Jainism: Dr Hema Pokarna was joined by her sister Manda Pokarna, MD to discuss the practical benefits of living a life of ahimsa, or non-violence, and gratitude.

Buddhist Life of Suchness: Living an Absolute Life in a Relative World: Rev. Kubose spoke compellingly to the importance of living an absolute life in a relative world, suggesting that the spiritual journey is in the attention to detail with loving respect for all life through each life.

The Goal of Meditation - Hinduism: Swami Varadananda gave a detailed description of the cosmology of Vedanta and answered questions about the spiritual journey of founder Rama Krishna as well as the journey of every soul on the path to self knowledge and God realization as he set it out for his disciples.

Islam 101: In his engaging workshop Dr. Azeem Halaam, spoke forthrightly both about the depth of Islamic spirituality and some of the current issues confronting Islam today. Moderate Moslems are trying to build bridges between the factions within Islam and with open-minded peoples from other faith and secular traditions. Halaam said the word Islam means peace. Muslims believe there is a Divine Plan. The concept of time exists only for man, not God. When a person dies an Angel comes to take their soul to a place that reflects appropriately the quality of life the person lived while on earth. Each person is accountable for all of his or her actions. Excellence of character is required as Allah is watching 24/7. Halaam described the greater Jihad involving each individual’s inner struggles to overcome the wiles of their personal ego. To relieve the suffering of another person is a form of greater jihad, he said.

Introduction to the Sikh Religion: In Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra’s workshop,participants discovered the importance of prayer in the daily devotional practices of Sikhs. “Simran,” or repetition of God’s Name, is sung individually or in group settings. Shabads, or hymns from the Sikh scripture, the Gurbani, are also sung as part of daily worship. Dr. Balwant Singh Ji also talked about the importance of Guru-ka-langar or langar — which means “the Guru’s free kitchen” — wherein meals are served freely to one and all. “No matter the time of day,” said Dr. Balwant Singh Ji, “if you are hungry, go to a Sikh Gurudwara and you will be served a meal.” He also explained that “langar” was established by the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj, as a way to instill humility and community between people of different races, religions and economic status. Dr, Balwant Singh Ji two nieces performed a shabad from the Gurbani to the accompaniment of the harmonium. The workshop closed with all the attendees singing simran together— “Sat Naam, Waheguru,” which means “His Name is the Truth, Almighty God.”

Jyoti Meditation: Gateway to the Divine: Dr. Vidich was joined by Carlos Lozano to introduce the practical technique of Jyoti Meditation as taught by Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj and the Science of Spirituality. Participants enjoyed a first hand experience of Jyoti Meditation or meditation on the Inner Light.

Conclusion

At the conclusion of the workshops, the Chancel Choir of the DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the direction of Mrs. Quanjanice Garland, closed out the day with an offering of their Christian ministry through music. They invited workshop participants to join the procession downstairs for tea and fellowship as they sang Shall We Gather at the River. The inspiring and energetic musical performance by the choir included the selections Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace and Deep River, revisiting the retreat themes and ending a memorable and inspiring event.

For more information about Science of Spirituality interfaith activities, please email outreach@sos.org.