Intrareligious Programs
The Parliament will include the opportunity for religious communities to express their values, their vibrancy and their commitments. Many of these sessions are combined panels, to allow for multiple voices from each religious tradition, and to express a variety of perspectives from different geographic locations. All the religious traditions will be included, along with spiritual and non- religious perspectives. The evolving set includes:
Pure Mind, Pure Land – A New Lifestyle for World Harmony
Venerable Jian Hu
A sutra says, “When the mind is pure, the land is pure.” This “pure land” is a healthy environment in which all beings live in harmony and contentment. Applying Buddhist principles, Venerable Jian Hu will draw a road map to this pure land. This talk examines how the suffering of human beings and damage to our planet can be traced to the three main pollutants of the mind -- greed, anger, and ignorance. To reverse the trend, we must go further than eco-concerns to embrace awareness and deep mindfulness in our families, our educational institutions, and our businesses.
Christian Perspectives on Forgiveness
This program will feature panel discussions and workshops exploring the topic of forgiveness from a Christian viewpoint. It will present a number of approaches to this subject matter including how to break the power of hate, a tool for releasing resentments and regrets, and a workshop on how to overcome the memories and the pains of past wounds.
Yasus Afari
Rastafari: the Livity of Spirituality
Yasus Afari
This program will present the worldview of the Rastafarian faith: its history, way of life, and worship. It will focus on the Rastafarian approach to family life, its involvement in music and the arts, and its philosophy of political and environmental liberation. This presentation will demonstrate how building love, justice, and confidence can secure social harmony, peace, and a sustainable future.
The Headscarf Debates: Religious Dress & Secular Fundamentalism
Janaan Hashim; Dr. Merve Kavakci; Ms. Mehrezia Labidi-Maiza
Continuing their conversation from the 2004 Barcelona Parliament, three women from very different countries will share their experience of creating cultural conditions for wearing the headscarf (hijab) in the public sphere. These women will discuss recent challenges and describe how views of the hijab have changed. They will also suggest directions for the future – both for themselves and for the interfaith community.
Painting the Torah
The Jewish contribution to visual art is very little known. Through more than 50 solo exhibitions in Australia and New Zealand, Victor Majzner's career has brought Jewish ideas, Jewish images, and Jewish perspectives to the art world. This program will enable an interfaith community to see and hear a Jewish view of art in general and Biblical Art in particular.
Jain Heritage and Education for Peace and Harmony
Jainism has always had a deep ecological awareness. This consciousness extends even to the microscopic creatures of the earth and water; Jains have always held that only if the ecological balance is protected will humanity continue to thrive. This presentation of Jain heritage has captivated young and old, Indians and foreigners, whose minds have been opened to this ancient eco-socio-spiritual philosophy.
The Hindu Temple and the Journey Within
Alan Croker
The Hindu temple is a three dimensional diagram of the subtle levels of existence. It is a metaphor for the journey of the worshipper from the world manifest to the divinity within. Through images and diagrams, this talk will build understanding and appreciation for the extraordinary wealth and depth of meaning embodied in these sacred places.
