| One of the early attempts to discuss
and analyse vital issues concerning different religions was made in 1893 at
Chicago by the Parliament of Religions, immortalized also by the powerful
speech of Vivekananda.
This search for truths to live by is verily “searching for the
sacred”. It was under this title that a seven-day seminar was organized
recently at Chennai by the Spiritual Centre of the German Oblates,
represented by Rev Fr Alfons Keuter and the Society of Daughters of Mary
Immaculate (DMI). Sisters Josephine and Rose besides Aanmodaya Ashram at
Kancheepuram, Near Chennai, also involved themselves fully. The purpose was
to obtain the best from all religions without judging which was the best.
A common thread indeed runs through all faiths. Even evolved
agnostics, who uphold the principle, as in the Tamil concept of Anbe
Sivam (love is God), are also inspired by feelings of altruism,
selflessness, and truthfulness. Indeed, these are not mere religious
observances but actually are practical recipes for sane, effective and
joyful living in this world of men and matter.
The bible exhorts, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto
you” (Mathew: 7,12). This message, though put differently, finds
place in the epics of almost all major religions. The virtue of contentment,
it was also noted in the seminar, is evident in the simple observation that
unrest afflicts those who crave for material possessions while peace and
health attend on the simple. Worthwhile living consists in not just merely
repenting for the past mistakes but, also involving in right thinking,
speaking and acting (manasa, vaacha, karmana). Only those which
generate right karma in the present, would compensate for the past ills. The
eightfold path of Buddhism, the Jain concept of ‘three gems’ or the Islamic
precept of the path of peace – these too are guidelines towards ‘searching
for the sacred’.
Arno Paschmann and Gertrud Paschmann dealt with Gestalt integration
technique through practical exercises and applications. This helps one to
understand oneself, through generating the needed healing and empowering
powers within. Cultural programmes, inner purification processes and
hilarious interludes also served to convince that involvement with the
sublime and the joyful indeed resolves inner conflicts and aberrations.
Indeed, this progress, the ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’, is real religion and
spirituality! |
