| Title: | Psychic Phenomena |
| Notice: | Please read note 1.0-1.* before writing |
| Moderator: | JARETH::PAINTER |
| Created: | Wed Jan 22 1986 |
| Last Modified: | Tue May 27 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 2143 |
| Total number of notes: | 41773 |
This note for the World Vision 2000 program.
Cindy
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1800.1 | From the brochure | TNPUBS::PAINTER | unity in diversity | Thu Feb 11 1993 13:50 | 309 |
*******************
* *
* World *
* Vision *
* 2000 *
* *
*******************
Organized by: Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America
43 Valley Road
Needham, MA 02192
617-444-7313
FAX: 617-444-8725
From the brochure:
World Vision 2000
-----------------
Our current world view is a result of human history,
religions, isms and ideologies presented from time
to time and also of the developments in science and
technology. The human experience for the past
several thousand years coupled with this acquired
knowledge base, has molded our thinking patterns.
There is a growing discontent with the current state
of our world. It is time to challenge the current
fragmentary world view and rediscover the vision of
wholeness. This paradigm shift in our world view is
possible if we recognize the need for change.
Envisioning our future world is the first step toward
the creation of a better world. The energy needed
to make this change can be derived from the clarity
of our vision.
Almost a century ago, in 1893, at the Parliament of
World Religions held in Chicago, the great Hindu monk,
Swami Vivekananda, stirred the soul of humanity with
his exposition of the Unifying Vedantic Vision for
the future of mankind.
Since Swami Vivekananda shared his vision, great
strides have been made in all fields of human endeavors.
In the process, innumerable new problems have surfaced
that demand prompt attention.
Modern developments in the field of science and
technology have greatly changed our lives. The planet
earth has been transformed into a global village. We
have become very conscious of the cultural diversities
of mankind. The future of mankind depends on
recognizing this reality. There is no going back.
Furthermore, human societies have no choice but to live
in harmony and share the common resources.
These new developments provide a very powerful impetus
for interested and concerned people without distinction
of sex, race, religion or nationality to come together
and rediscover this unifying vision for the future.
A forum is needed to deliberate on the vital themes
of the new vision. Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America
has taken the initiative to provide an opportunity to
all by calling a Global Conference in Washington, D.C.
in the summer of 1993.
The conference aims to create a vision for the Twentyfirst
century that manifests in the following themes.
o Religion and spirituality are unifying forces
o The Cosmos is "One Family"
o Excellence is the goal of life
o Systems are conducive to unfoldment of divinity of
human beings
o Individual salvation and social service are two
sides of the same coin - a message of Swami Vivekananda
About 2,000 delegates representing various organizations
from all over the world are being invited to participate
in the conference. Eminent scholars, scientists,
industrialists, managers, religions and spiritual leaders
are also invited to enlighten the participants.
Themes of Global Conference
Religion and Spirituality are unifying forces
---------------------------------------------
Human beings have continued to establish models for
individual, family and social life based on newly
acquired knowledge and the ideals of happiness. In
spite of being inspired by the lofty ideals of
happiness, these models often conflict with one
another. Furthermore, in order to establish
superiority of their models, the intolerant proponents
have resorted to the destruction of several models not
conforming to their expectations.
For example, religion which is meant to direct an
individual to harmonious and blissful life, has been
used as a destructive force in the name of God. The
religious symbols such as the church, the mosque, the
temple, the rituals, the scriptures, the prophets or
the religious leaders have completely eclipsed the
significance of the search for Eternal Truth. Religion
has become a divisive force in the hands of religious
leaders, politicians and the state.
The delegates of the Global Conference will deliberate
on the theme of religion and spirituality as unifying
forces for the Twentyfirst century. The ideal of
Universal Religion presented by Swami Vivekananda in
1893 has a great relevance for the next century. Human
beings need to develop not only tolerance for people of
different religions but also a willingness to
understand their beliefs and systems. For the
Twentyfirst century, learning to uphold the ideal of
"Truth is One but the Expressions are Many" is critical
for peaceful coexistence of human societies.
The Cosmos is One Family
------------------------
Family is the smallest and most natural unit of human
society. The relationship between parents and children
has been the primary factor in human survival and the
development of human culture.
A family strives to meet the physical needs of its
members and also to cultivate moral, ethical and social
values in them. Individuals nurtured with love in a
family environment radiate confidence and high
self-esteem. However, the same family unit by
nurturing narrow self-interests can become the source
of social injustice. In the process of doing good to
one's family, one tends to forget the needs of others.
Furthermore, in modern times the ideal of individual
freedom has presented a challenge to the idea of caring
even for other members of the same family.
One of the root causes of this problem appears to lie
in the currently dominant view of unconnected existence
of everything in creation. While there are no short
cuts to cultivate cosmic relationships, the first step
toward a new world order is to recognize the underlying
unity of creation based on the realization of Universal
Self. This recognition will accelerate our progress
toward the ideal "The Cosmos is One Family." As future
generations become free from the old thought patterns
of separate units of existence, wholeness in the order
of creation will become more apparent. With the
awareness a closeknit family can become an effective
means to bring about the necessary change.
Excellence is the Goal of Life
------------------------------
All human endeavor is directed toward some goal, either
material or spiritual. A closer look at all human
activities shows a pursuit of human beings to become
free. The idea of freedom appeals to all. However,
each individual pursues freedom that appeals to him the
most.
In earlier stages of life, one's pursuits are very
individualistic and primarily oriented toward worldly
success. With advancing age and experience the
pursuits are more family oriented and show a shift to
social life. At a later state even these pursuits seem
to lose their charm.
In every pursuit two vital factors; individual
character and personal skills are put to test.
Individual character means intrinsic values mostly
acquired during formative years of life. Values such
as honesty, fearlessness, dedication and many others
provide the foundation of life.
Personal skills like communication, management, oratory
ensure success in life. In today's competitive world a
great emphasis is put on these and other skills.
One can ensure great happiness during entire life if
one has pursued the goal of excellence while living an
integral life with noble traits of character and also
acquiring personal skills. When one gives undue
importance to the development of skills without
adequate attention to the development of character, one
is left to suffer when stripped of material prosperity,
titles or powers. While competitiveness does enhance
individual skills, lack of basic values cannot be
replaced by personal skills.
Individuals motivated by the goal of excellence in life
strive to bring the best out of their beings without
concern for competition with others. The ideals of
personal success for completely selfish goals can be
very stressful. A greater joy of life can be derived
by sharing the fruits of one's work with others. The
new world order will shift emphasis from mere personal
success to excellence in life as a goal.
Systems are Conducive to the unfoldment of
Divinity of Human Beings
------------------------------------------
Besides the pursuits of individual and family
happiness, each civilization has attempted to establish
social, political and economic orders for the
betterment of human life. Many theories have been
advanced and many models have been established by their
proponents to demonstrate the superiority of their
systems over others.
Thus, various forms of governments, ranging from a
tribal chief and monarchies based on the Doctrine of
Divine Right to the modern western democracies, have
been tried to build human societies with a sense of
social justice, freedom and political rights.
The early history of mankind shows the pursuit of
expansionism and empire building for ownership of land
and its natural resources, people and their labor, and
for the religions or ideological conversions of
vanquished people by their aggressors.
The scientific developments brought about the
industrial revolution that replaced production by
masses with mass mechanized production. This provided
great impetus to expand empires for natural resources
and markets for finished goods.
With the advent of modern technologies, highly trained,
competent and motivated work force became the driving
force for technologically advanced nations. The
Social, political and economic systems were constantly
modified to meet the demands of high-tech societies.
Material needs and monetary goals assumed prime
importance. Consumerism began to be equated with
happiness. These new developments caused both positive
and negative impacts such as depletion of ozone layer,
green-house effect, acid rain, deforestation, air,
water and land pollution.
In this age, human society is also suffering from other
maladies such as: war, drugs, juvenile crime, AIDS and
cultural alienation. These problems have their roots
in the existing systems. In the new world order, there
is a great need to develop systems conducive to the
unfoldment of divinity of human beings. The world of
our vision can be realized by transforming the existing
social, political, economic, industrial, and
educational systems.
Individual Salvation and Social Service are Two Sides
of the Same Coin - A Message Of Swami Vivekananda
-----------------------------------------------------
The Vedantic message of Swami Vivekananda was for total
transformation of the society and not merely for
individual salvation.
Throughout his life Swami Vivekananda expressed concerns
about the millions of poor people in India. He appealed
to all who came in his contact to serve masses. He
presented the poor Indians as a living manifestation of
God, Daridra Narayana, and their service as a unique
opportunity for purity and salvation. It would be a
great tribute to Swamiji's life to serve the poor and
the downtrodden people around the world.
Future Directions
-----------------
The deliberations of this conference will be published
in a commemorative volume to serve as a guide for the
development of the future programs of the World Vision
2000.
A task force will be created to work on the following
objectives:
o To identify industries, educational institutions,
management groups, human resource groups, and others
interested in conducting experiments for the new
vision.
o To monitor and evaluate the results of these
experiments.
o To encourage the formation of new forums to raise
awareness about the World Vision 2000 programs.
| |||||
| 1800.2 | y | AIMHI::SEIFERT | Fri Feb 12 1993 12:44 | 4 | |
What a wonderful note. This is my vision for the future.
Mindy
| |||||
| 1800.3 | yes! | TNPUBS::PAINTER | unity in diversity | Fri Feb 12 1993 16:05 | 18 |
Thanks, Mindy. Yes, it is quite exciting to be working on this
project!
The organization has invited President Clinton to inaugurate the
conference (no word yet though if he is going to do so). And Ravi
Shankar will be performing at the cultural evening. They've invited
2,000 scholars, religious, business, and political leaders to actively
participate in the conference, with 15,000 people total attending.
The next entry is a draft of the actual conference outline. Your
feedback is most welcome. If you would like me to pass your comments
on to Dr.Mehta directly, please put that at the beginning of your note,
or contact me offline.
Usual disclaimer - this is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, etc.
Cindy
| |||||
| 1800.4 | conference proposal | TNPUBS::PAINTER | unity in diversity | Fri Feb 12 1993 16:09 | 119 |
Here is a draft proposal of the expanded topics list to be discussed
at the World Vision 2000 conference in August, 1993.
Your feedback is most welcome and appreciated.
Cindy
-----------------------------------------------------------------------0
GLOBAL CONFERENCE AT WASHINGTON D.C.
August 6-8, 1993
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO CONTRIBUTE IN CREATING A VISION FOR THE
TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY.
Dr. Mahesh Mehta
The readers of these columns are acquainted by now with the concepts of
World Vision 2000 programs proposed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad Of America,
an International, non-profit organization of people who believe in
and/or respect the great Hindu Heritage. I would like to present
several subjects relevant to the five themes of the Global Conference
for your consideration. The five themes of the conference are:
o Religion and spirituality are unifying forces.
o Cosmos is One Family.
o Excellence is the goal of life.
o Systems are conducive to the unfolding of divinity of human
beings.
o Individual salvation and social service are two sides of the
same coin. - A message of Swami Vivekananda.
On August 7, 1993, at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., participants
of the Global Conference will deliberate on these themes in five parallel
sessions. The first draft of the program is presented here. Each three
hour long session will have three invited papers on the themes of the
conference. The invited speakers will have twenty minutes to present
their views.
The Chair-Person will make concluding remarks, followed by a thirty
minute session of Chair-Persons of all sessions to draft the salient
features to be included in the World Vision 2000 charter, a working
document for the programs to be launched for the future.
The themes of World Vision 2000 are worded to reflect our vision. There
is no reference to the current situation. The vision is an expression
of positive thoughts describing the world around us, the systems with
the role of people, and above all your personal role. As an example,
the theme, "Religion and spirituality are unifying forces" reflects the
role of religion in the twenty-first century, not the current divisive
role.
The subjects of the invited speakers for each of the conference themes
follow:
THEME: Religion and spirituality are unifying forces.
1. Global Peace and Harmony: Contributions of World Religions
2. Spiritual and Cultural Advancement of Human Societies - New
Frontiers of Human Development.
3. Science and Spirituality - A Convergence For The Vision Of
Wholeness.
THEME: Cosmos is One Family.
1. Mother Earth: A Sacred Bond for All Life On Our Planet.
2. A New World Order Through Awakening Of Human Societies.
3. Relationship of Individual, Family, Society, Nature, and God:
A Vision Of Wholeness Through Cosmic Consciousness.
THEME: Excellence is The Goal Of Life.
1. Realizing The Highest Individual Potential Through Excellence
In Life.
2. Cooperation for Harmonious Social Order.
3. Unifying World Vision Through Excellence In Life.
THEME: Systems Are Conducive To Unfolding of the Divinity Of Human
Beings.
1. Integral Humanism As A Global Political Ideology.
2. New Economic World Order Toward A Just Society.
3. Management Systems To Unfold The Highest Individual Potential,
Productivity, and Joy in Life.
4. Enhancing Effectiveness of International Organizations for
Human Rights.
THEME: Individual Salvation and Social Service Are Two Sides Of The
Same Coin: A Message of Swami Vivekananda.
1. Spiritual Development for Social Transformation.
2. Serving Humanity Is Serving God.
3. Swami Vivekananda's Life and Mission.
Our plan permits us to invite thirty speakers. Please submit your
typewritten draft, along with your personal resume to the Secretariat,
World Vision 2000, for review by the Program Committee no later than
May 31, 1993.
Please note that this conference is supported by contributions and
donations from common people, hence we encourage each speaker to make
arrangements for his/her travel and other expenses. If you have any
questions, please feel to contact our Secretariat in New York.
| |||||
| 1800.5 | AIMHI::SEIFERT | Mon Feb 15 1993 12:49 | 4 | ||
Cindy are you going to this conference?
Mindy
| |||||
| 1800.6 | TNPUBS::PAINTER | angel pranks | Mon Feb 15 1993 16:52 | 14 | |
Mindy,
Yes, I'll be there.
Yesterday I worked on the conference a bit, and it's coming along quite
nicely! Invitations are going out next week to people affiliated with
places like Esalen, Omega Institute, Noetic Sciences, to ask them to
submit a paper if they would like to be a speaker or a delegate (there
will be 3000 delegates from all over the world - religious organizations,
political organizations, industry, scholars - participating actively on
the third day.) More to follow.
Cindy
| |||||
| 1800.7 | Video | WELLER::FANNIN | Chocolate is bliss | Wed Mar 17 1993 14:16 | 14 |
Cindy,
Thanks for giving us this information. What an exciting and wonderful
thing to be working on!
>>The deliberations of this conference will be published
>>in a commemorative volume
Are there plans to involve PBS and have this event filmed?
-- Ruth
| |||||
| 1800.8 | TNPUBS::PAINTER | angel pranks, swan songs | Wed Mar 17 1993 18:36 | 8 | |
Ruth,
No, I don't think so. At least there aren't any plans right now.
Like you're P_N! (;^)
Cindy
| |||||
| 1800.9 | update | TNPUBS::PAINTER | angel pranks, swan songs | Mon Mar 22 1993 00:21 | 10 |
Just back from a very quick weekend trip to Washington D.C. to
meet with other volunteers working on the project and tour the
facilities where the conference will be held. Things are really
coming together!
Late-breaking news - the Dalai Lama has confirmed and will be
attending. (;^)
Cindy
| |||||
| 1800.10 | ASABET::ESOMS | Crystal Packing Mama | Mon Mar 22 1993 16:27 | 3 | |
Wow! Great Cindy.
Joanne
| |||||
| 1800.11 | PBS | WELLER::FANNIN | Chocolate is bliss | Tue Mar 23 1993 12:37 | 13 |
Cindy,
I really think that a PBS film crew would be interested.
These conferences are great, but they are so much more powerful when
they are made available to many people.
It might just take a phone call to the local PBS station to find out.
I probably wouldn't ever find the time to read the proceedings, but I
would watch a PBS presentation.
Ruth
| |||||
| 1800.12 | ELWOOD::BATES | Turn and face the strange changes | Tue Mar 23 1993 14:30 | 15 | |
Ruth:
Unlike other 'networks', PBS doesn't have a news crew on call to cover
events. What's needed is a PR contact to interest a producer in seeking
funds to cover production of a program based on the event. A bit more
complicated, but by no means impossible.
Typically, an event like this is a natural for network feeds, and CNN
comes immediately to mind.
Cindy, I'm curious - who is handling PR for the event?
gloria
| |||||
| 1800.13 | TNPUBS::PAINTER | angel pranks, swan songs | Tue Mar 23 1993 22:53 | 15 | |
Gloria,
The various tasks are split amongst members of the committee.
I'll be meeting with them next on April 3rd, and can find out more.
We're anticipating that either Pres. Clinton or VP Gore will inaugurate
the event...still to get confirmation on this.
As time allows, I'll try to type in more of the program as we know it
exists today. Things are still in such flux, however there are
yogis, gurus, political leaders, scholars, and extremely well-known
performing artists from India who have already confirmed as well.
Cindy
| |||||
| 1800.14 | call for volunteers | TNPUBS::PAINTER | angel pranks, swan songs | Tue Apr 06 1993 17:51 | 7 |
I'm currently looking for volunteers to work on this project with me.
If you're remotely interested, please contact me offline for further
details.
Cindy
| |||||
| 1800.15 | another one! | TNPUBS::PAINTER | angel pranks, swan songs | Wed Apr 07 1993 11:59 | 5 |
Deepak Chopra just confirmed - he will be speaking on Health and
Consciousness on Sunday afternoon at the conference.
Cindy
| |||||
| 1800.16 | conference update | TNPUBS::PAINTER | forever Amber | Mon May 10 1993 11:48 | 13 |
Astronaut Ed Mitchell has accepted our invitation to speak!
Also confirmed are: our own Richard Bradley from DEJAVU!,
Fred Alan Wolf, James Swan, Nicki Scully, Dr. Richard Gerber,
Grandmother Twylah Nitsch, Mary Harper, David Frawley, and
Rev. Michael Beckwith.
Our brochures and registration forms are ready. If you are
interested in attending, please contact me. I'll try to post
a full update very soon.
Cindy
| |||||
| 1800.17 | Celebrating the Centenary of Swamiji's Visit | TNPUBS::PAINTER | remembering Amber | Tue Jun 15 1993 17:23 | 53 |
Swami Vivekananda: 1893 Chicago Addresses
------------------------------------------
Swami Vivekananda at the First World Parliament of Religions, Chicago
11th September 1893 - Response to Welcome
"Sisters and Brothers of America,
It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm
and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of
the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of
the mother of religions; and I thank you in the name of the millions and
millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects. My thanks, also, to
some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates
from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may
well claim the honour of bearing to different lands the idea of
toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the
world both tolerance and universal acceptance.
We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions
as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the
persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the
earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the
purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to the southern India and
took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was
shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the
religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the
grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines
from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood,
which is repeated by millions of human beings:
'As the different streams having their sources in different
places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the
different paths which men take through different tendencies,
various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead
to Thee.'
The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever
held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world, of the
wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: 'Whosoever comes to Me, through
whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which
in the end lead to Me.' Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible
descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They
have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with
human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair.
Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far
more advanced than it is now. But their time has come; and I fervently
hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honour of this convention
may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the
sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons
wending their way to the same goal.
| |||||
| 1800.18 | advance warning | TNPUBS::PAINTER | remembering Amber | Wed Jun 23 1993 17:33 | 4 |
The next note is 774 lines long...
Cindy
| |||||
| 1800.19 | World Vision 2000 Conference announcement | TNPUBS::PAINTER | remembering Amber | Wed Jun 23 1993 17:33 | 774 |
Dear Friends,
For the last 8 months, I've been actively working with VHP America on a
Global Conference to be held in Washington, D.C., on August 6, 7 & 8. This
conference is to celebrate the centenary anniversary of Swami Vivekananda
delivering his Vedantic message to the First Parliament of World Religions
held in Chicago, Illinois in 1893. My role has primarily been to extend
invitations to speakers in the west who share in this vision of wholeness.
The list of confirmed speakers appears in this message.
Among the many excellent speakers who will be joining the celebration
are: H.H. The Dalai Lama, Swami Chinmayananda, His Majesty The King of
Nepal, Mr. L.K. Advani, Shri Chinmoy, Dr. Edgar Mitchell, former Apollo
astronaut and sixth man on the moon, and Dr. Alireza Nurbakhsh representing
the Nimatullahi Order of Sufis. Anuradha Paudwal, Hariprasad Chaurasia and
Shekhar Sen will be among those performing during the cultural program on
the evening of August 7.
If you would like additional information on the conference, or have any
questions - particularly on the speakers and their topics - please feel
free to contact me directly. For information on registration, the phone
numbers are included in this posting.
There are two options that you can choose to register for - the first is
to register as a Conference delegate for all three days, or the second is
to attend just the one day Festival to be held at the Capital Centre, in
Landover, Maryland on August 7. Details of these events follow.
You may forward this message.
Namaste,
Cindy Painter (TNPUBS::PAINTER)
===========================================================================
Celebrating the Centenary of Swami Vivekananda's Universal Vedantic Message
Sponsored by: World Vision 2000
One hundred years ago, Swami Vivekananda came to the U.S. to address
the First World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Illinois, where he
presented the Vedantic Vision of Wholeness. Swamiji's first address to
the Parliament appear in this message.
To celebrate the centenary of this event, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of
America, a non-profit, tax-exempt service organization, is sponsoring a
series of programs under the World Vision 2000 banner, beginning with a
Global Conference and a Global Youth Conference to be held this August
6,7 & 8, in Washington, D.C. This conference is open to all who share
in Swami Vivekananda's Vedantic vision.
This conference is very unique in that there are representatives and
speakers from many different disciplines - politics, economics, religion,
education, business, and performing arts - from all over the world, coming
together on the same platform to present ideas and share their experiences
of global wholeness while forming a vision for the next century. We would
like you to be a part of this process as well.
There is space available for 2000 adult delegates and 1000 student
delegates to attend the entire 3-day Conference. On August 7, there is
space for up to 15,000 people to attend the day-long Festival.
Global Conference Highlights
----------------------------
Friday, August 6, 1993:
At the Washington Hilton and Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C., up
to 2000 adult and 1000 student delegates. Schedule of events includes:
o Inauguration of Exhibition on World Vision 2000 Themes.
o Banquet Reception for up to 2000 delegates at the International
Ballroom of the Washington Hilton Towers, 1000 student delegates
at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.
o Speakers include: His Majesty The King of Nepal, Shree Sudarshanji.
o Cultural program with artists including: Viji Prakash, Anjani
Ambegaokar - theme: Mahabharat: Karna-Arjun Dialogue - Bharat
Natyam-Kathak (Mother/Daughter Team.)
Saturday, August 7, 1993:
At the Capital Centre, Landover, Maryland, including 2000 adult delegates,
1000 student delegates, and up to 12,000 day-long attendees. Schedule of
events includes:
o World Vision 2000 parade - colorful floats and marches by various
organizations.
o Opening session including talks by H.H. The Dalai Lama, President
Clinton or Vice-President Gore, Swami Chinmayananda, Shri Chinmoy,
Mr. L.K. Advani, Astronaut Edgar Mitchell, His Majesty The King of
Nepal.
o Multi-faith prayers by representatives from various groups.
o Sant Sammelan - A conference on Swami Vivekananda's Universal
Vedantic Message, including talks by P. Parmeshwaran, Rameshbhai Oza,
Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Yogi Haribhajan Singh Khalsa, Acharya
Sushil Kumar, Swami Satyamitrananda Giri, Swami Satchidananda, Swami
Jyotirmayananda, Sant Keshavdasji, Dada Vaswani, Bhante Gnan Jagatji,
and representative of Pujya Pramukh Swami.
o Grand Cultural Evening with renowned artists including: Anuradha
Paudwal, Shekhar Sen, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Sonal Mansingh, Anup
Jalota, and Dance Drama by Prabhath Academy.
Sunday, August 8, 1993:
At the Washington Hilton for adult delegates. Schedule of events includes:
o Plenary Sessions in the morning where several keynote speakers will
address each of the five conference themes. Themes are:
- Religion and Spirituality are Unifying Forces
- The Cosmos Is One Family
- Excellence Is The Goal Of Life
- Systems are Conducive to the Unfoldment of Divinity in Human Beings
- Individual Salvation and Social Service are Two Sides of the Same Coin
The ten keynote speakers and their topics for this session are:
Speaker 1: Swami Satchidananda, disciple of Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj,
Acharya of Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville Virginia, the site
of the LOTUS, the Light of Truth Universal Shrine and largest
Lord Nataraja Shrine in the Western world, founder and
Spiritual head of the worldwide Integral Yoga Institutes
Subject: Religion and Spirituality for Growth, Harmony, and Bliss in Life
Speaker 2: Dr. Edgar Mitchell, pioneer in modern efforts to expand science
toward understanding consciousness and the inner experience,
Apollo astronaut and sixth man to walk on the moon, founder
of the Institute of Noetic Sciences and co-founder of
Association of Space Explorers
Subject: Where Science Meets Religion
Speaker 3: Dr. Alireza Nurbakhsh, Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University
of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S., representative of the Nimatullahi
Order of Sufis based in London, U.K., editor of 'Sufi - A
Journal of Sufism', son of Dr. Javad Nurbakhsh, the current
Master of the Order
Subject: Love: The Path Of Unity
Speaker 4: Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, leader of Opposition of the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian Parliament, former
Minister of External Affairs, India
Subject: Integral Humanism as a Viable Political Philosophy
Speaker 5: Swami Jyotirmayananda, disciple of Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj,
rendered unique service by introducing yoga and meditation
in Puerto Rico (1962-69), founder and president of Yoga
Research Institute, Miami, Florida, U.S.
Subject: Meditation for Excellence In Life
Speaker 6: Dr. Fred Alan Wolf, Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from U.C.L.A.,
U.S., quantum physicist, lecturer, seminar leader,
internationally acclaimed author of seven books including
"Parallel Universes", American Book Award-winning "Taking The
Quantum Leap", and "The Eagle's Quest"
Subject: Shamanic Physics
Speaker 7: Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, professor of Physics, Benares
University, India, and former president of BJP in India
Subject: Science and Spirituality: A Convergence In The 21st Century
Speaker 8: Dr. S.K. Chakraborty, professor at Indian Institute of
Management, Calcutta, India, author of six books on human
values and corporate transformation
Subject: The Divinised Manager and the Ashramized Business: Management
Systems In The 21st Century
Speaker 9: Shri Dattopant Thengdiji, founder of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh
(Labour Organization), organizer of Rastriya Swyamsevak
Sangh (RSS), a National volunteer organization in India
since 1942, author of "Labour Policy"
Subject: Global Economic System: A Hindu View
Speaker 10: Ven. Sogyal Rinpoche, Tibetan Lama, author of "The Tibetan
Book Of Living And Dying", director of RIGPA, a network of
Buddhist centers and groups around the world
Subject: Tibetan Living and Dying
o Nine simultaneous breakout sessions on each of the above themes
where four or five speakers will present in-depth material on each
theme, and approximately 300 delegates in each session will have
the opportunity to ask questions and discuss what is presented.
SESSION 1: RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY ARE UNIFYING FORCES I
Speaker 1: Reverend Michael Beckwith, spiritual leader of the Agape
Church of Religious Science, Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Subject: Global Peace and Harmony: Contributions of World Religions
Speaker 2: Dr. B.K. Modi, engineer and Ph.D. in Financial Management,
chairman and preside of Modi group of companies based in India
Subject: Mystery of Creation: Scientific and Scriptural Views
Speaker 3: Dr. David Frawley, Ph.D. and director of the American Institute
of Vedic Studies in Santa Fe, New Mexico, one of the few
Western scholars recognized in India as an authentic Vedacharya
or teacher of the ancient Vedic wisdom, teacher of Ayurvedic
Medicine and Vedic Astrology, author of several books including
"Gods, Sages, and Kings"
Subject: Vedanta, Unity and Universality
Speaker 4: Dr. Pranav Pandya, M.D., former resident physician at Ohio
State University Medical College, life member of Theosophical
International, American Association for Advancement of Sciences
and Unity School of Christianity, spiritual leader of Gayatri
Pariwar
Subject: Spiritual Advancement of Human Society
SESSION 2: RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY ARE UNIFYING FORCES II
Speaker 1: Prof. Dr. Edmund Weber, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University,
Frankfurt, Germany
Subject: Religious Differentiation and Social Integration
Speaker 2: Prof. Dr. Ashwinbhai S. Kapadia, professor of English at the
M.K. College of Commerce Bharuch, India, direct disciple of
Sri Aurobindo
Subject: The Cosmic March Of The Divine: From Sri Ramakrishna to
Sri Aurobindo
Speaker 3: Prof. Dr. Gunvant Shah, Director, International Youth Council,
Baroda, India
Subject: Global Peace and Religious Harmony
Speaker 4: Prof. V. Madhusudan Reddy, professor and chairman of
department of Philosophy, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India,
has published 200 papers and twenty books including
"Aurobindo's Philosophy of Evolution"
Subject: To be announced
Speaker 5: Prof. Rajan R. Malaviya, 'Institut fur Wirtschaft und
Politikberatung', Frankfurt/Main, Germany
Subject: Challenge of the 21st Century on Mind and Matter
SESSION 3: COSMOS IS ONE FAMILY
Speaker 1: Steven McFadden, journalist, astrologer, and teacher, author
of "Farms Of Tomorrow", "Profiles In Wisdom", and "Ancient
Voices: Current Affairs", director of the Planetary Wisdom
Keepers Project
Subject: The Rainbow Legend
Speaker 2: Grandmother Twylah Nitsch, founder of the Seneca Indian
Historical Society, author of several books including,
"Entering Into Silence: The Seneca Way", "Language of Stones",
and "Language of Trees"
Subject: Mother Earth: A Sacred Bond for All Life On Our Planet
Speaker 3: Professor Shastry
Subject: Relationship of Individual, Family, Society, Nature and God:
A Vision of Wholeness for the 21st Century
Speaker 4: Oh Shinnah, holds a master's degree in Experimental Psychology
from the University of Denver, composer and singer, studied
healing and Native American traditions from respected elders
from the Navajo-Apache, Cherokee, Tibetan and Mayan Nations
Subject: Mother Earth: A Sacred Bond for All Life On Our Planet
Speaker 5: Hunbatz Men, Mayan daykeeper and ceremonial leader, an
authority on the history, chronology, and calendars of the
Mayan civilization, founder of the Mayan Indigenous Community
near Merida, Mexico, author of several books including,
"Secrets of Mayan Science/Religion"
Subject: Secrets of Mayan Science and Religion
SESSION 4: EXCELLENCE IS THE GOAL OF LIFE - HEALTH
Speaker 1: Dr. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Fellow of the American College of
Physicians, president of the American Association for
Ayurvedic Health Center in Lancaster, Massachusetts, U.S.,
author of several books including "Quantum Healing", and
"Perfect Health"
Subject: Health Is An Expression For Higher Consciousness
Speaker 2: Dr. Richard Gerber, M.D., physician, teacher, and author of
"Vibrational Medicine: New Choices In Healing Ourselves," has
a personal vision of the creation of an international,
multidisciplinary healing research center that would help to
validate ancient healing approaches and also assist in
integrating complementary and modern medical techniques
Subject: Vision of Medicine For the 21st Century
Speaker 3: Dr. Carlos Warter, M.D., Ph.D., psychotherapist, author, and
public speaker for a global planetary synergy through a
transpersonal culture of democracy and peace, president of the
World Health Foundation for Peace
Subject: Holistic Medicine
Speaker 4: Dr. H.R. Nagendra
Subject: Yoga for Health
SESSION 5: EXCELLENCE IS THE GOAL OF LIFE II
Speaker 1: Dr. Lee Sannella, M.D., Yale University, U.S., psychiatrist
and ophthalmologist, and co-founder of the Kundalini Clinic in
San Francisco, California, U.S., author of "The Kundalini
Experience"
Subject: The Kundalini Experience
Speaker 2: Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D., Jungian analyst and clinical
professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San
Francisco, U.S., author of "Goddesses in Everywoman", "Gods
in Everyman", and, "Tao of Psychology"
Subject: Gods and Goddesses in Everyone
Speaker 3: Nicki Scully, ceremonial teacher and healer, cartographer of
shamanic journeys, author of, "The Golden Cauldron - Shamanic
Journeys On The Path Of Wisdom"
Subject: Deities, Totems, and Archetypes as Part Of Our Planetary Family
Speaker 4: Dadi Janki, administrative head of Brahma Kumaris, London, U.K.
Subject: Meditation as a Technique for Real Education
SESSION 6: SYSTEMS CONDUCIVE TO UNFOLDING OF DIVINITY IN HUMAN BEINGS I
Chairperson: Madhuri Sheth, consultant with Human Resources Development
Institute, Bombay, India, edits a journal, "Integral
Management: Indian Perspectives", organized an international
workshop for UNESCO on the Role of Women in the Assimilation
and Spread of Technological Innovation
Speaker 1: Kishore Jawle, practicing Advocate High Court, member of the
Indian Council of Arbitration, author of several publications
Subject: Social System In The 21st Century: Role of Social-Political
Systems
Speaker 2: Dr. Mary Harper, Ph.D., founder and Executive Director, Center
for Changing Systems, Larkspur, California, U.S., has had
twenty-five years in the field of facilitating individuals and
groups to clearly define goals, needs and resources necessary
to efficiently operate organizations without conflict
Subject: A New World Order Through Awakening of Human Societies
Speaker 3: Dr. Romesh Diwan, professor of Economics, Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, U.S., Ph.D. in Economics
from University of Birmingham, U.K., author of 95+ articles
and four books including "Essays In Gandhian Economics"
Subject: New Economic Order
Speaker 4: Richard Bradley, B.A. in Psychology from Howard University,
Washington, D.C., U.S., lecturer, Diversity workshop leader,
author of paper for the Clinton-Gore Transitional Team
entitled "Putting People First", on the board of directors
for Center for Changing Systems, Larkspur, California
Subject: The Necessity of Transformational Management
Speaker 5: Dr. Ved Nanda, president of the World Association of Law
Professors, and a member of the advisory council of the United
States Institute of Human Rights, president of Friends of India
Society International, Thompson G. Marsh Professor of Law and
Director of the International Legal Studies Program at the
University of Denver College of Law, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Subject: Human Rights in the 21st Century
SESSION 7: SYSTEMS CONDUCIVE TO UNFOLDING OF DIVINITY IN HUMAN BEINGS II
Speaker 1: Dr. Seshagiri Rao, Ph.D. in Comparative Religions, Harvard
University, Cambridge, Mass., U.S., editor-in-chief of the
Encyclopedia of Hinduism, editor of World Faiths Insight, a
foremost interfaith journal published from London, U.K., by
the World Congress of Faiths
Subject: Message of Hinduism to the West
Speaker 2: Dr. Deen Dayal Khandelwal
Subject: Hindu University of America
Speaker 3: Ravi Maharaj
Subject: Caribbean Experience I
Speaker 4: Ravi Dev
Subject: Caribbean Experience II
SESSION 8: SYSTEMS CONDUCIVE TO UNFOLDING OF DIVINITY IN HUMAN BEINGS III
Speaker 1: G. Narayana, Director and Corporate Advisor to Excel Industries
Ltd., graduate in electronic and electrical engineering and
postgraduate in management studies, management educator,
human relationship facilitator, organizational team-building
guide, author of several books on the Gita, excellence,
leadership, and family relations
Subject: Family System in the 21st Century
Speaker 2: Dr. Kulkarni
Subject: Education System in the 21st Century
Speaker 3: Shrimant Rajmata Maharani Scindia, leader of the BJP, member
of the Parliament for several terms until 1984
Subject: Role of Women in the 21st Century
Speaker 4: Narendra Modi, young dynamic leader, All India General
Secretary of BJP, holds M.A. in political science, lives in
Ahmebabad, India, author of several books
Subject: The Integral Political System for the 21st Century
SESSION 9: INDIVIDUAL SALVATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE ARE TWO SIDES OF
THE SAME COIN: A MESSAGE OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
Speaker 1: Dr. Prema Pandurang
Subject: Path of Devotion as Presented by Swami Vivekananda
Speaker 2: B.P. Toshniwal, senior vice-president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad,
Bharat (India), trustee World Buddhist Cultural foundation,
chairman and managing director of leading industrial house in
India
Subject: Social Service Projects
Speaker 3: Dr. Lakshmikumari, president of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari,
Ph.D. in Botany, University of Madras, India, relinquished
academic career in 1982 and took to social service
Subject: The Ideal of Social Service As Presented by Swami Vivekananda
Speaker 4: P.D. Chitlangia
Subject: One Teacher, One School Concept for Tribals
Speaker 5: Reverend John O. Fisher, Minister Emeritus, First Parish
Unitarian, Groton, Massachusetts, U.S., author of, "Truth
Is Stranger Than Dogma"
Subject: Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
Plenary Concluding Session
Speaker: Swami Ishwarananda Giri, an Indian Monk initiated into the
monastic order of Shankara, founder of spiritual center
Samvit Sadhanayana
Subject: Vedantic Message for Global Human Societies In the 21st Century
The length of each presentation will be 20 minutes.
NOTE: The information in this message was last updated on June 23, 1993.
Simutaneously, the Global Youth Conference delegates will meet at the
Omni Shoreham Hotel. They will be divided into two groups, age 13-17
and age 18-30. Presentations and discussions will encompass the World
Vision 2000 themes and contemporary issues.
Contacts for the Global Conference, Global Youth Conference, and Festival:
FESTIVAL only:
o To attend the day-long program at the Capital Centre, Landover,
Maryland, on August 7 only, the cost including lunch and dinner is:
- Adults - $85, $95 after July 7
- Children between 6-18 years - $50, $60 after July 7
- Children under 6 years - no fee whatsoever
For information and registration, contact:
World Vision 2000 Festival
Toll Free: 1-800-484-7683, code 2000
In the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area: (301) 989-8696
GLOBAL CONFERENCE AND YOUTH CONFERENCE:
o To attend all three days as a delegate, the cost including meals,
two nights at the Hilton Hotel - or Omni Shoreham if you are a student
delegate attending the Global Youth conference - admission fees, is:
Current VHP America or HSC (Hindu Student Council) members:
- Single adult - $240 registration, add $40 for double occupancy
- Two adults, $465 registration, add $80 for double occupancy
- Children between 13-17 years - $60, add $40 for hotel accommodation
- Students between 18-30 years - $60, add $40 for hotel accommodation
- Children between 10 and 13 years - no registration fee, $40
accommodation fee - stay with parent(s)
- Children up to 10 years - no fee whatsoever
Non-VHP/HSC members:
- Single adult - $275 registration, add $40 for double occupancy
- Two adults, $500 registration, add $80 for double occupancy
- Children between 13-17 years - $60, add $40 for hotel accommodation
- Students between 18-30 years - $75, add $40 for hotel accommodation
- Children between 10 and 13 years - no registration fee, $40
accommodation fee - stay with parent(s)
- Children up to 10 years - no fee whatsoever
Miscellaneous information:
- There is an additional discounted rate available for 4 adult
delegates sharing the same room (quadruple).
- There will be activities provided for children of adult delegates
who are age 12 and below.
For additional information and registration, contact:
World Vision 2000 Global Conference
Phone: 1-800-VEDIC93 (1-800-833-4293)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DISCLAIMER - Because this is a forwarded message, World Vision 2000
cannot be held responsible for any errors in the rate
structure listed above - call Registration to verify prices.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
=========================================================================
Swami Vivekananda: 1893 Chicago Addresses
------------------------------------------
Swami Vivekananda at the First World Parliament of Religions, Chicago
11th September 1893 - Response to Welcome
"Sisters and Brothers of America,
It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm
and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of
the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of
the mother of religions; and I thank you in the name of the millions and
millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects. My thanks, also, to
some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates
from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may
well claim the honour of bearing to different lands the idea of
toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the
world both tolerance and universal acceptance.
We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions
as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the
persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the
earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the
purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to the southern India and
took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was
shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the
religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the
grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines
from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood,
which is repeated by millions of human beings:
'As the different streams having their sources in different
places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the
different paths which men take through different tendencies,
various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead
to Thee.'
The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever
held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world, of the
wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: 'Whosoever comes to Me, through
whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which
in the end lead to Me.'
Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have
long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with
violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed
civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for
these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it
is now. But their time has come; and I fervently hope that the bell
that tolled this morning in honour of this convention may be the
death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or
with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending
their way to the same goal.
27th September 1893 - Swamiji's Address At The Final Session
The World's Parliament of Religions has become an accomplished fact, and
the merciful Father has helped those who laboured to bring it into
existence, and crowned with success their most unselfish labour.
My thanks to those noble souls whose large hearts and love of truth
first dreamed this wonderful dream and then realized it. My thanks to
the shower of liberal sentiments that has overflowed this platform. My
thanks to this enlightened audience for their uniform kindness to me and
for their appreciation of every thought that tends to smooth the
friction of religions. A few jarring notes were heard from time to time
in this harmony. My special thanks to them, for they have, by their
striking contrast, made the general harmony the sweeter.
Much has been said of the common ground of religious unity. I am not
going just now to venture my own theory. But if anyone here hopes that
this unity will come by the triumph of any one of the religions and the
destruction of others, to him I say, 'Brother, yours is an impossible
hope.' Do I wish that the Christian would become Hindu? God forbid.
Do I wish that the Hindu or Buddhist would become Christian? God forbid.
The seed is put in the ground, and the earth and air and water are
placed around it. Does the seed become the earth, or the air, or the
water? No. It becomes a plant, it develops after the law of its own
growth, assimilates the air, the earth, the water, converts them into
plant substance, and grows into a plant.
Similar is the case with religion. The Christian is not to become a
Hindu or a Buddhist, nor a Hindu or a Buddhist to become a Christian.
But each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet preserve his
individuality and grow according to his own law of growth.
If the Parliament of Religions has shown anything to the world, it is
this: It has proved to the world that holiness, purity, and charity are
not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every
system has produced men and women of the most exalted character. In the
face of this evidence, if anybody dreams of the exclusive survival of
his own religion and the destruction of others, I pity him from the
bottom of my heart, and point out to him that upon the banner of every
religion will soon be written, in spite of resistance:
'Help and not fight.
Assimilation and not Destruction.
Harmony and peace and not Dissension.'
========================================================================
World Vision 2000 Conference Blessings:
H.H. The Dalai Lama - Nobel Laureate, Dharmshala, U.P., Bharat (India)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am happy to know that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America is planning
a series of programs to create a vision of life on Earth in the twenty-
first century. This is timely, for today as our world grows smaller,
the global community is faced with serious problems. Overpopulation,
dwindling natural resources and environmental crisis threaten the very
foundation of existence on this one small planet we share. To overcome
them, we must cooperate.
Such cooperation calls for a greater sense of universal responsibility.
We must learn to work not only for ourselves, for our family or nation,
but for the benefit of all mankind. Universal responsibility is the
real key to human survival.
Although the development of compassion need not be done on the basis of
religion, I believe that all religious traditions, with their ideals of
love and their goal of making their followers better human beings,
contain such teachings. Therefore, those of us with an interest in
religion have a special obligation to encourage the generation of
compassion with what I call universal responsibility.
With these things in mind, I send my greetings to the participants in the
Global Conference on the theme World Vision 2000, and offer my prayers
that it may successfully contribute to the creation of a more stable,
harmonious and friendly world."
Swami Chinmayananda - Chinmaya Tapovan Trust, Sidhbari, H.P., Bharat
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"I congratulate Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America for this great and
grand vision. Once the vision is clear, the Lord will be with us to
help fulfill it."
Sri Satya Sai Baba - Puttaparthi, A.P., Bharat
----------------------------------------------
"I am happy to learn about World Vision 2000. With your determination
and self-confidence, you will get full success. This is a program for
all, and all must support it.
I wish the Global Conference and Global Youth Conference all the
success."
His Holiness Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj, Siddhachalam - Blairstown, N.J.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Swami Vivekananandaji's entry into the First Parliament of World
Religions, in 1893 was almost a non-entity, but he mesmerized the
audience with his knowledge. He planted the seeds of Vedanta,
successfully, into the Western Hemisphere. Today, his teachings stand
dire need of the day. At a very alarming rate the decay and destruction
of the Mother Nature is taking place. It needs a check.
I am happy that VHP of America is continuing Swamiji's mission with the
same missionary zeal. You are setting a good example for the future
generations. You certainly deserve all praise and commendations."
His Holiness Jagad Guru Shankaracharya Shri Jayendra Saraswati Shreepada,
Shree Kamkoti Peeth, Kanchipuram, Bharat
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America is undertaking a magnificent program
entitled World Vision 2000 to welcome the Twentyfirst Century. The news
that the first program of this series is organized to commemorate the
centenary of Swami Vivekananda's memorable Chicago Address is very
heartening.
May the entire program be completely fruitful by the immense favor of
God. May all be happy and blissful."
His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar
Purushottam Sanstha - Karnavati, Gujarat, Bharat
-------------------------------------------------------------------
It is a matter of great joy to learn that Vishwa Hindu Parishad of
America is organizing the World Vision 2000 programs. The greatness of
Bharatiya culture is in the ideal of Universal Family. Nothing can be
more appropriate than starting World Vision 2000 programs with the
commemoration of the centenary of Swami Vivekananda's Vedantic message
to the world.
This is the work of us all and everyone needs to cooperate.
May Lord Swami Narayan bless this conference."
Pandurangshastri Athavale (Pujya Dada) - Tatwajnana Vidyapeeth, Mumbai,
Maharashtra, Bharat
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Religion must have its appeal to the intellect. It must give liberty
to think. Religion must be the most joyful thing in the world, because
it teaches universal oneness. For this, it is necessary to make
Religion free from its shackles of superstition, dogma, ceremony and
fanaticism on account of which it has lost prestige in the modern world.
For this, it is necessary to strengthen that Religion which was
preached by our ancient Rishis. Our Rishis sacrificed everything for
preserving Religion which has taught tolerance and acceptance of every
Religion.
This is what Swami Vivekananda did all his life. Let us emulate him and
work hard to give Religion its due place in the society for the progress
and happiness of humanity."
Gurudev Yogacharya Shri Amritji (Yogi Amrit Desai), Kripalu Center,
Lenox, Massachusetts
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"Eternal Truth, as represented in Sanatana Dharma, is non-exclusive,
universal, and timeless beyond the multitudes of names and forms through
which it manifests. Ekam Sat Vipra Bahuda Vadanti - We honor, cherish,
and emulate the Universal Truth that is described by many names.
Inspired to reawaken that spirit of oneness, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of
America is doing pioneering work in the West. Its members are working
together on the common platform of Sanatana Dharma, with an expansive
vision in action that captures the oneness underlying the various
religious forms through which it manifests.
If we truly serve humanity, we must all learn to operate from this
common platform of unity rather than using religion to reinforce
separation from one another. Let us demonstrate to the world that we
are committed to stand on such a fundamental principle, co-creating the
dynamic vision of global oneness in the spirit of Sanatana Dharma."
His Holiness Jagad Guru Shankaracharya Swami Divyananda Tirth -
Bhanpura Peeth, M.P., Bharat
---------------------------------------------------------------
"Blessings for the success of the World Vision 2000 programs."
| |||||
| 1800.20 | TNPUBS::PAINTER | remembering Amber | Mon Jun 28 1993 18:31 | 42 | |
The following abstract is about the talk to be presented at
the conference by Dr. Alireza Nurbakhsh, the representative
and son of the current master of the Nimatullahi Order of
Sufis, Dr. Javad Nurbakhsh.
----------------------------------------------------------
Abstract
Title: Love: The Path of Unity
Author: Dr. Javad Nurbakhsh
Date: June, 1993
Two questions are addressed in this paper: First, what is unity from
the Sufi point of view? Second, how can one achieve such unity?
Sufism is based on Islam and has often been characterized as the school
of Unity of Being. There is only one Being and whatever exists is a
manifestation of that Being. For the Sufis the discovery or
understanding of the Unity of Being is not an intellectual matter,
rather it is a matter of direct experience.
The Spiritual world is different from the intellectual world in both its
goal and method. The goal of the spiritual world is to discover the
ultimate Truth or the Unity of Being within oneself. And the method of
spirituality is none other than love. It is only through love that
spirituality can direct mankind towards unity.
Cultural and religious unity in an everyday exoteric form, even if
desirable, cannot be achieved in our current multi-cultural,
multi-racial and multi-religious societies. What brings unity and
harmony amongst very diverse religious and spiritual schools is the true
realization that what they are after, the ultimate Truth, is one and the
same thing for everyone. To miss this point is to create disunity and
disharmony.
It is only through love that man can truly see that all acts of worship
when performed out of sincerity of the heart, lead to one and the same
thing. And it is only through God's remembrance that man can hope to be
able to learn how to love.
| |||||
| 1800.21 | see you in a few (weeks) | TNPUBS::PAINTER | remembering Amber | Fri Jul 30 1993 16:24 | 20 |
Well, it's time to leave for the conference. I'll be out of the
office now until mid-August.
We are going to be faced with demonstrations down there. There are
many factions in this world that do not want this gathering to take
place - especially the current Indian government and those supporting
it.
Please pray/send positive energy and light in the direction of
Washington, D.C. for the next few weeks, especially for August 6-8.
I'll be addressing the delegation of 2000+ people on the morning of
August 8 for 15 minutes, along with introducing Edgar Mitchell,
Alireza Nurbakhsh, and Fred Alan Wolf. I'll be wearing a saree too.
(;^)
Namaste all,
Cindy
| |||||
| 1800.22 | post-partum? | TNPUBS::STEINHART | Back in the high life again | Mon Aug 16 1993 10:16 | 5 |
Welcome back to work, Cindy! ;-)
I'm eagerly waiting to hear your report about the events.
Laura
| |||||
| 1800.23 | (;^) | TNPUBS::PAINTER | remembering Amber | Mon Aug 16 1993 18:10 | 8 |
Thanks Laura. It was definitely the experience of a lifetime!
I'm still integrating everything - so much happened in such a
short span of time.
More later on as the memory dust settles.
Cindy
| |||||
| 1800.24 | may be of interest | TNPUBS::PAINTER | remembering Amber | Tue Oct 19 1993 20:25 | 85 |
NOTE: Hinduism is the religion of Vedanta. Vedanta is an Eastern philosophy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Vedanta - Voice Of Freedom", by Swami Vivekananda. pp.27-28
In nondualistic Vedanta, Brahman is the Ultimate Reality, Existence-
Knowledge-Bliss Absolute. The world is shown to be nothing but name and
form, all of which is apparent, not real, having only relative existence.
But from the absolute standpoint, everything is Brahman - one without a
second. The individual soul is nothing but Brahman. Name and form evolve
and dissolve, but the Self, the real nature of every being, is immortal
and unchanging. After realizing one's identity with Brahman through
meditation, a person then sees Brahman, or God, in everything.
In the beginning it was hard for Vivekananda to accept the nondualistic
view that 'everything is really Brahman', because he was a staunch
follower of Brahmo Samaj, which taught a theistic philosophy. As he said
to Sri Ramakrishna: "It is blasphemous, for there is no difference
between such philosophy and atheism. There is no greater sin in the
world than to think of oneself as identical with the Creator. I am God,
you are God, these created things are God - what can be more absurd! The
sages who wrote such things must have been insane." Because Sri
Ramakrishna knew how to train a mind, the young man's outspokenness did
not deter him. Smiling, he said, "You may not accept the views of these
seers. But how can you abuse them or limit God's infinitude? Go on
praying to the God of Truth and believe in any aspect of His that He
reveals to you."
According to the Vedantic tradition, one must reach an understanding of
the philosophy with the help of 'shruti (the scriptures), 'yukti'
(reason), and 'anubhava' (experience). Vivekananda's rebellious nature
did not surrender easily. He was a votary of Truth. Whatever did not
tally with reason and experience, he considered false, and it was his
nature to stand against falsehood.
One day at Dakshineswar, while chatting with one of his friends,
Vivekananda sarcastically remarked concerning the Vedantic experience of
oneness: "How can this be? This jug is God, this cup is God, and we too
are God! Nothing can be more preposterous!" Sri Ramakrishna heard
Vivekananda's laughter from his room. He came out and inquired: "Hello!
What are you talking about?" He then touched Vivekananda and entered
into samadhi. Preachers merely talk about religion, but Incarnations
like Buddha, Christ, and Ramakrishna, can transmit religion through a
glance or by a touch. Vivekananda graphically described the effect of
that touch:
The magic touch of the Master that day immediately brought a wonderful
change over my mind. I was stupefied to find that there was really
nothing in the universe but God! I saw it quite clearly, but kept
silent, to see if the idea would last. But the impression did not abate
in the course of a day. I returned home, but there too, everything I
saw appeared to be Brahman. I sat down to take my meal, but found that
everything - the food, the plate, the person who served, and even
myself - was nothing but That. I ate a morsel or two and sat still. I
was startled by my mother's words: "Why do you sit still? Finish your
meal," and began to eat again. But all the while, whether eating, or
lying down, or going to college, I had the same experience and felt
myself always in a comatose state. While walking in the streets, I
noticed the cabs plying, but did not feel inclined to move out of the
way. I felt that the cabs and myself were of one stuff. There was no
sensation in my limbs, which, I thought, were getting paralyzed. I did
not relish eating, and felt as if somebody else were eating. Sometimes
I lay down during a meal, and, after a few minutes, got up and again
began to eat. The result would be that on some days I would take too
much, but it did no harm. My mother became alarmed and said that there
must be something wrong with me. She was afraid that I might not live
long. When the above state altered a little, the world began to appear
to me as a dream. While walking in Cornwallis Square, I would strike my
head against the iron railings to see if they were real or a dream.
This state of things continued for some days. When I became normal
again, I realized that I must have had a glimpse of the Advaita state.
Then it struck me that the worlds of the scriptures were not false.
Thenceforth I could not deny the conclusions of the Advaita philosophy.
As time passed and Vivekananda went through various kinds of experiences,
his rebellious attitude, intellectual skepticism, and argumentative
nature were gradually transformed into self-surrender, faith and
devotion. Brajendra Nath Seal, one of his friends who later became a
well-known professor, watched this change and remarked, "A born
iconoclast and free thinker like Vivekananda, a creative and dominating
intelligence, a tamer of souls, himself caught in the meshes of what
appeared to me an uncouth, supernatural mysticism, was a riddle that my
philosophy of Pure Reason could scarcely read at the time."
| |||||
| 1800.25 | TNPUBS::PAINTER | remembering Amber | Thu Oct 21 1993 22:30 | 66 | |
From: "Vedanta - Voice of Freedom", by Swami Vivekananda, pp.70-71 The Absolute and Its Manifestation The one question that is most difficult to grasp in understanding Advaita philosophy, and the one question which will be asked again and again and which will always remain unanswered, is: How has the Infinite, the Absolute, become the finite? I will now take up this question, and in order to illustrate it I will use a figure. --------------------- | (a) The Absolute | --------------------- | (c) | | Time | | Space | | Causation | --------------------- | (b) The Universe | --------------------- Here is the Absolute (a), and this is the universe (b). The Absolute has become the universe. By this is meant not only the material world, but the mental world, the spiritual world--heavens and earths, and in fact, everything that exists. Mind is the name of a change, and body is the name of another change, and so on, and all these changes compose our universe. This Absolute (a) has become the universe (b) by coming through time, space, and causation (c). This is the central idea of Advaita. Time, space, and causation are like the glass through which the Absolute is seen, and when It is seen on the lower side, it appears as the universe. Now, we at once gather from this that in the Absolute there is neither time, space, nor causation. The idea of time cannot be there, seeing that there is no mind, no thought. The idea of space cannot be there, seeing that there is no external change. What you call motion and causation cannot exist where there is only one. We have to understand this and impress it upon our minds--that what we call causation begins after, if we may be phenomenal, and not before; that our will, our desire, and all these things always come after that. Now the question is: What are time, space, and causation? Advaita means nonduality--there are not two, but one. Yet we see that here is a proposition that the Absolute is manifesting Itself as many, through the veil of time, space, and causation. Therefore it seems that here are two: The Absolute and 'maya', the sum total of time, space, and causation. It seems apparently very convincing that there are two. To have two, we must have two absolute, independent existences which cannot be caused. But time, space, and causation cannot be said to be independent existences. In the first place, time is entirely a dependent existence; it changes with every change of our mind. Sometimes in a dream one imagines that one has lived several years; at other times several months have passed as one second. So time is entirely dependent upon our state of mind. Secondly, the idea of time sometimes vanishes altogether. So with space. We cannot know what space is. Yet it is there, undefinable, and cannot exist separate from anything else. So with causation. The whole of this universe, therefore, as it were, a peculiar form [of the Absolute]. The Absolute is that ocean, while you and I, and suns and stars, and everything else are various waves of that ocean. And what makes the waves different? Only the form--and that form is time, space, and causation, which are all entirely dependent on the wave. As soon as the wave goes they vanish. As soon as the individual gives up this maya, it vanishes for him and he becomes free. | |||||
| 1800.26 | patience | ADVLSI::SHUMAKER | Wayne Shumaker | Tue Nov 02 1993 23:02 | 7 |
In interesting thought: Heyoan, channeled by Barbara Brennan, mentions
the three dimensions of our existence as time, space, and patience. I
wonder if causation and patience are related. The proper transformation
of time is into now, or the moment, of space into beingness and perhaps
causation into patience? Just a thought.
Wayne
| |||||
| 1800.27 | an interview that I helped to arrange... | TNPUBS::PAINTER | Planet Crayon | Wed Feb 02 1994 18:04 | 154 |
Interview from: "Hinduism Today", October 1993, North America Edition Far Out Interview with Dr. Edgar Mitchell, Astronaut and Philosopher "In 1971 Apollo 14 astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell became the sixth man to walk on the moon. On the return trip to earth, he had a transcendental experience, a spiritual awakening which changed his life. He retired shortly thereafter from NASA and founded the Institute of Noetic Sciences to sponsor research in the nature of consciousness as it relates to cosmology and causality. Mitchell and the philosophy he puts forth in books and dozens of lectures a year are not easy to categorize, though he expresses affinities to the eastern faiths. His is a unique vision, born of a personal experience in deep space. Shuba Krishnan interviewed Dr.Mitchell, 62, for Hinduism Today in Washington, D.C. [on August 8, 1993.] Hinduism Today: What was your experience in space? Dr.Mitchell: On the return trip home, gazing through 240,000 miles of space towards the stars and the planet from which I had come, I suddenly experienced the universe as intelligent, loving, harmonious. Hinduism Today: Hindus would immediately suggest that you were experiencing the kundalini force. Dr.Mitchell: Yes, that's exactly what I was experiencing, the primordial energy of the universe, the primal and subtlest energies. Hinduism Today: Were you the only astronaut to have a spiritual experience in space? Dr.Mitchell: Many of us had a spiritual experience. One expressed this experience in terms of Christian concepts. Others have expressed their experience in terms of an environmental context. I have expressed myself in an intellectual inquiry. I don't want to speak about the experiences of the other astronauts. But I do suspect that it was this kundalini that they were experiencing too. After the fact, several of them sought to find out what this experience was. The basic experience is one of a "high" experience, to perceive anew. It's the mountaintop experience, to see the same landscape from a new perspective. Hinduism Today: How did NASA respond to this? Dr.Mitchell: We didn't really talk about it much with them. NASA wasn't very philosophic. Most of us left NASA. Hinduism Today: What did the experience mean to you? Dr.Mitchell: I was raised as a scientist, to assume that the fundamental organization of the universe was accidental. But my religious training, which was fundamental Christian, accepted the divine origin, or blueprint. Those two ways of thinking are not compatible. I now describe our universe a little differently; as evolutionary, intelligent, participatory, and continuing to learn. What we call God is the mind of the universe, and what we experience as physical reality is the body of the universe, if you want to anthropomorphize. The creative force behind the universe is the same creative force we experience within ourselves. The atman and brahman aspects of consciousness have to be put together in order to create reality. Hinduism Today: What was it like to be on the moon? Dr.Mitchell: When you're working, you're concentrating on your work. So the opportunity to be introspective and awestruck was limited. It was the culmination of an explorer's dream. The most profound experience was to look back and see earth in the setting of the entire cosmos. Hinduism Today: What do you mean in your writings when you say, "We're reaching for the past?" Dr.Mitchell: Science has taken the assumption that physicality came first and consciousness came second which, on deeper reflection, cannot be. Consciousness had to evolve. Matter and energy had to be conscious in some primitive sense for life to exist. They had to be simultaneous. The universe did not have volition unless it had volition initially. Pure consciousness is that which was always there. Hinduism Today: How do you regard religion? Dr.Mitchell: I have talked and studied with spiritual teachers from virtually all religions and found that, at the core, we're saying the same thing in different languages, different interpretations. But essentially, we're reaching for the same point. For example, the Taoist tradition in China always had the notion of the tapestry of change, the holistic concept, and that change was interwoven in that tapestry of life. The Vedic tradition brought us insights very early as to how consciousness operates. Buddhism brought us a marvelous psychology of how to condition the mind. Coming out of the Judaic tradition was a unified notion that there's really only one fundamental principle. Then the Greek tradition brought us discursive reasoning. So I find we must pull from all the religions. Hinduism Today: What is reprogramming? Dr.Mitchell: Modern understanding is teaching us that our subconscious creates our reality. We program ourselves the first few years of life' we spend the rest of our lives creating that reality. We create the circumstances of our lives according to the way we're programmed. If we find life is not working for us, we change that. The mystics and yogis of all times have all done that through meditation, and they sometimes take a lifetime to do it. The modern challenge, as I see it, is to compress that, to be able to change ourselves, our physical reality, more quickly. Hinduism Today: What is your center working on? Dr.Mitchell: We're teaching subliminal dynamics, in which we teach precisely how people may do this. Hinduism Today: What is your definition of God and soul? Dr.Mitchell: I define God as the intelligent function. The soul would be that residual aspect of self that is eternal. I believe that the purpose of the universe is to organize itself and to experience physical reality, of which we're a part of in creating that. Hinduism Today: Not everyone can book a seat to the moon. How can earthling non-astronauts have this experience? Dr.Mitchell: You don't have to go to the moon to produce new insight. I suggest you listen to what others, the ancients, experienced and then internalize them for yourself. Hinduism Today: What has generated this change in consciousness being observed today? Dr.Mitchell: It's being created by crisis, by the fact of breakdown of our institutions, and the awareness that we have so populated the earth and so misused our technologies. We have been so asleep and unaware that the crisis that we have created today is forcing us to [change]. Hinduism Today: What would you ask today's youth to observe and practice? Dr.Mitchell: To learn to live, to discover the process of the planet, of the cosmos. To live in harmony with the process. I do not believe in absolutes. It's an evolving universe, and what we used to consider absolutes no longer hold. We must hang on to many fundamentals, life love, integrity, but we must also be a part of the process of evolution. | |||||