Interfaith Retreat:

Science of Spirituality and the Parliament of the World’s Religions

In 1993, the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions (CPWR) met in Chicago-the first such gathering since the original Parliament meeting in 1893. The head of Science of Spirituality, H.H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, gave a major address at that ’93 Parliament, focusing on creating world peace by developing inner peace through meditation. When the Parliament met subsequently in Johannesburg, South Africa, Science of Spirituality was also there to promote the message of peace through spirituality.

In July, CPWR will meet in Barcelona, Spain. This exciting event will bring together religious and spiritual leaders from all over the world to engage in dialogue regarding the urgent needs of the day: how to promote peace, harmony, and mutual understanding. In anticipation of the July 2004 Parliament, interfaith events are being held all over the world. It is in that spirit that Science of Spirituality in association with CPWR sponsored a one-day retreat, “The Experience of Divine Presence in All Faith Traditions,” at the Science of Spirituality Center in Naperville, Illinois on November 1, 2003. This was a day of renewal, reflection, and furthering interfaith understanding as people from different religious and spiritual background shared their traditions' contemplative practices. The day included silent meditation, a panel discussion, sacred songs and stories, and interactive workshops.

Andrew Vidich, PhD, author of "Love is a Secret: the Mystic Quest for Divine Love," was retreat facilitator. He opened the program saying everyone gathered at the Center was part of an assembly of those on the spiritual journey, taking a few steps together. Brother Wayne Teasdale, PhD, Christian Monk and author of The "Mystic Heart", presented the keynote address in which he spoke about meditation and contemplation. He said these practices make us progressively aware of the Divine presence beyond name and form, beyond our intellectual attempts to understand, and beyond dogma, beliefs, and theologies. Speaking next, Kathryn Kruger, PhD, explained that the bedrock of the path of Sant Mat, which is followed by members of Science of Spirituality, is meditation. She shared Jyoti meditation instructions, and everyone then meditated for half an hour.

The panel discussion was moderated by Art Stein, PhD, professor of Peace Studies, University of Rhode Island. Kevin Buckly, representing the Buddhist perspective, stressed the importance of practice and mindfulness leading to harmonious living and the unity of all things. Hindu Swami Brahmachari Ji focused on the importance of meditation and the fact that we are not the body, that our sense organs take us outside, and that our mind must be controlled. The speaker presenting an Islamic perspective said that God’s presence is in each one of us, but one must see it in oneself in order to see it in others. The presenter from the Jain tradition recited the Jain prayer paying obeisance to those who have achieve enlightenment and conquered the five negative emotions. Rabbi Herbert Bronstein asked: “Where does God dwell?” and answered wherever people let God in. Finally, speaking for Sant Mat, Andrew Vidich stressed the need for guidance on the spiritual path and said the essence of consciousness is Light, truth, and love. After a vegetarian lunch, everyone returned to the sanctuary of the Science of Spirituality Center for the portion of the program titled “Sacred Offerings,” songs, poetry, hymns, and prayers from many different faith traditions. The theme of Divine presence resonated throughout the day in every talk, offering, and workshop. Closing the program, Francesca DiBrito, Parliament representative, offered exciting news about the upcoming Barcelona Parliament. The program finished with a few minutes of meditation.

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