Country: United Kingdom
City:
World Harmony Week was celebrated by Ecopeace Teen Cafe with Ecopeace Global
Summit. As part of the Summit, A global interfaith prayer was conducted on 7th
February 2022. Faith leaders from eight different faiths across the globe came to offer
prayers for world peace.
Mr.Vasu Bandhu introduced Buddhism. He quoted from Dharmapadha the importance
of being in this world without causing harm and without hurting each other. He also
presented to the attendees the importance of mindful breathing by leading a mindful
breathing session.
Ms.Poorvi introduced Jainism explaining the birth of Jainism and explaining karma,
where deeds determine one's future. She also tried to transcend about the perceptions
where the same truth comes in different forms to different people depending upon their
perceptions. She also recited a prayer from Jainism.
Ms. Elana introduced Judaism. She explained the belief systems in Judaism. She
offered a prayer for peace to all people of the world.
Sr.Jessy Thomas introduced Christianity. With the help of Bible verse, she urged
everyone to have a universal outlook beyond ones race, religion, or country. A world
peace prayer was Offered by Sister Jessy.
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Prof.Malik Mohamad introduced Islam.He explained how Quran asks humans to
understand the spirituality and purpose of the creation of humans. The core of humans
should be Seeking truth and not nurturing ego. There are common good teachings in
every religion of the world. Prof also offered a prayer from Quran.
Mr.Dinesh Rao introduced the Bahai faith. He explained the principles of the Bahai
faith how service and prayer go hand in hand in the Bahai faith. He urged everyone to
have an integrated life with morality and spirituality as core in tackling life's everyday
hurdles. He offered a prayer asking for strength to serve humanity wherever one is.
Ms. Arya Meher introduced Hinduism. She explained dharma and peace as core values
of Hinduism. She offered prayer by reciting hymns from Upanishads asking for peace
within, peace with everything around, and peace with the universe.
Soumya Ayyar introduces as a no-faith tradition. She explained the philosophy of yoga
and how it was also embraced by other Indian Faith traditions. She explained how
Mindfulness and alertness are the core of yoga. Being aware of the actions will
definitely bring in peace. All participants also could perform a small meditation
session with Ms.Soumya.
Starting with mindful breathing and ending with a cleansing meditation was an
excellent experience for all attendees. Even though having various religions and faith,
it was a particular time for everyone to understand and participate in multiple prayers,
though written in different languages but embody the same truth.
Khadeejah bint Malik, Ecopeace volunteer recited her poem Our Interfaith Community
during the event.
Our Interfaith Community
Khadeejah bint Malik
Peace… peace prevailed on earth
Before men left their faith
And caused humanity to death.
Why did we carry a stone in our hearts?
Why is the world broken into many parts?
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We see this once peaceful land
Be destroyed by ruthless bands.
All are armed, all are panned.
All this fighting is for what?
They downgrade others' faiths and smother
Why did they trample over worshippers?
We extinguish fires
Yet the fire inside is flaming with pride
A man with a beard and cap isn't a sign of terrorism,
Nor is a man with a turban.
A woman with a hijab isn't a sign of insecurity or oppression
Nor is a woman who chooses to be bald.
Denial is not an answer
If we envision a future that is better.
If we are to choose between love and hatred
We know within us what should be imbedded
Our beliefs may differ
But never did our scripture
Instruct terror or build barriers between faiths.
Human beings we are
Gifted with a mind to think
So let us think, what is our universal law?
What is our common interest?
Respect, care, and justice,
The good deeds we practice.
Human rights and peace,
Our shared values are our duties.
We will see a day
When men and women of all faiths
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Everyone stands to pray
Even in their own ways
'Cause there's no limit to the diversity of faiths.
What a merry it is to see
Once dry land, become the centre for world peace.
As our diversity of faiths bring us together,
Let us hug each other, like sisters and brothers.
Peace within me, Peace be on you, Peace prevails on Earth.