World Conference On Unity Of Man, 2007

World Conference on Unity of Man Kirpal Sagar, 1 –10 December, 2007

World Conference on Unity of Man, 1 – 10 December, 2007

Published by: Unity of Man – Sant Kirpal Singh Verein zur Verbesserung der menschlichen Beziehungen Steinklüftstraße 34 5340 St. Gilgen - Austria / Europe Copyright © 2008 by Unity of Man All rights reserved. First edition 2008, printed in India

On the level of man, of soul, of consciousness we are already one. In spite of tyranny and murder prevailing, there is one hope for the world, and this hope lies in the spiritual link from man to man and nation to nation. This genuine hope will bring us together. The problems of the world are not of political but of spiritual nature, so we have to find the solution on the spiritual level, on the level of consciousness. The change will begin from man’s heart, this is the only way to bring unity into the world. If the ideal of unity has become our heart-felt desire, it will spread like a wildfire burning all hatred, enmity, separation, duality, and egoism. What will prevail is oneness. Dr Harbhajan Singh

Table of Contents Editorial

6

Kirpal Sagar

9

World Conference on Unity of Man

14

Inauguration of the Conference

16

Supporting Programme Opening of the Medical Camp Interschool Shabad Competition National Volleyball Tournament Wedding Ceremonies Culture Programme

20 22 24 28 32 34

Main Programme Complementary Function in Amritsar Nag Kalan Arrival at Kirpal Sagar 9 December Behind the scenes 10 December

36 38 40 48 56 85 90

Inauguration of the Symbols Unveiling the Symbols Concluding Session Press Conference

112 118 126 136

Closing Conference

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Programme Opening of the Medical Camp National Volleyball Tournament Wedding Ceremonies Opening of the Exhibition at the Farm Welcome of the Teachers Training College

143 144 146 148 152 156

Concluding Sessions Speeches of the Delegates Opening Ceremony of the new Exhibition in the Library Final Talk Closing Ceremony

157 159 166 174 178

Editorial India is known for its spiritual treasure that has were His mission, which was focused on unity – the proved as a living heritage up till now in spite of unity of soul and God as the base of the brotherhood many problems the country has been facing. With of men. So ‘Unity of Man’ became the name of the its manifold cultures and landscapes, its religious va- movement that was initiated by Him with the first riety, its arts and handicrafts the subcontinent makes ‘World Conference on Unity of Man’ held 1974 in a valuable contribution to the culture of the world. Delhi. Unknown to a larger public, in the name of Sant Kirpal Singh a Project has been set up in the state of Though He taught to respect all religions, Sant Kirpal Punjab which unites spirituality and beauty: Kirpal Singh never intended to create a new religion or to Sagar – the ‘Ocean of Grace’. mould all religions into one. This is also a main feature of the conception of Kirpal Sagar, with which In the year 2007, the 25th Jubilee of Kirpal Sagar was Sant Kirpal Singh commissioned His disciple Dr celebrated with the “World Conference on Unity of Harbhajan Singh and his wife Biji Surinder Kaur, Man“ on the occasion of the 75th birth anniversary who is carrying on the work at present. of its builder, Dr Harbhajan Singh (1932 - 1995). His birthday on 10 December was dedicated to the in- The competence of a teacher reveals in his disciples. auguration of the Symbols on the top of the central Though it is difficult to depict personalities of such building of Kirpal Sagar: Models of a Gurdawara, spiritual height, we may at least grasp the sublime a Temple, a Mosque, and a Church. Each of these virtues which outside reflect the inner state of man models symbolizes the human body, which in the and prove him as true human being: Consciousscriptures is called the ‘true temple of God’. Side by ness, truth, love, compassion and selflessness – Dr side, the Symbols remind that God made man and Harbhajan Singh impersonated these attributes. In man made religions. contrast to the maxims of our time, his way of life made evident that humility is strength and selflessThis is a review of the event, which brought together ness leads to inner richness. people from all over the world committed to creating a peaceful future, based on spiritual and ethical Though he was commissioned to carry on the work of values. It would be incomplete without words of rev- Sant Kirpal Singh, he never wanted to be regarded as erence to the personalities who created and main- Master, but called himself a ‘borrowed servant’. Evetained the spirit of the venue which became the spirit rybody was allowed to call him ‘Bhaji’ (brother), and of the conference. we did it with deep respect, because he lived what he taught. With his warm-hearted nature he won over Sant Kirpal Singh (1894 –1974) is known in the world the hearts, and was brother, teacher and friend of all, as spiritual teacher and Saint of the 20th century. He working as a ‘Gurmukh’, a perfect disciple. pointed out the common core of all religions and taught a spiritual way of life practicable to anyone, Dr Harbhajan Singh was born on 10 December 1932 irrespective of the outer religious formation the indi- in Layalpur, today’s Pakistan, from where he had to vidual belongs to. He called it ‘man-making’, mean- migrate as a youth with his family during the partiing the development of man in all aspects – physically, tion of India. They settled in Nag Kalan, a village near intellectually, ethically and spiritually. Regarding hu- Amritsar, where he later lived with his wife and chilmans as souls, He saw the divine in man and trusted dren and practised as a medical doctor. Revelations at in the power of the soul or consciousness, enabling a very early age had made him search for God and fihumans to overcome the evil tendencies of the mind. nally led him to his Master, Sant Kirpal Singh in 1961. Man-making, Self-knowledge and God-knowledge This was a turning point in his life. He became the

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Sant Kirpal Singh, initiator of Unity of Man

beloved disciple, doctor, and close confident of his Master, who would lovably call him ‘God’s doctor’. In October 1973 Sant Kirpal Sing laid the foundation stone of Dr Harbhajan Singh’s hospital at Nag Kalan, where patients from more than forty villages used to come to his practice. Needy people got treatment free of charge and many a poor got additional help in his house. It was during that stay in the Punjab, when Sant Kirpal Singh went along with Dr Harbhajan Singh to the farm near Nawanshar, where now Kirpal Sagar is located. At that time there existed only a few fertile fields, where rice and wheat were grown. With Sant Kirpal Singh’s words to purchase more land, as this place would become a pilgrimage place one day, a new era started. With the help of disciples from the Amritsar–Centre, first steps were undertaken to clear the land covered with thorny shrubs, supported by a tractor they got from Sant Kirpal Singh. Coincidentally, in Delhi preparations were going on for the first World Conference on Unity of Man, con-

vened by Sant Kirpal Singh from 3–6 February 1974. At that time He had disciples from all over the world. Nothing foreshadowed that His tenure was going to end the same year, until He gave indications and special instructions for his further work to Dr Harbhajan Singh. The month of August 1974 brought the time of separation. On 21st August 1974 Sant Kirpal Singh closed his gracious eyes forever. Till the last moment He kept Dr Harbhajan Singh at his side. In 1976, after a sorrowful time, Dr Harbhajan Singh came for the first time to Europe, together with his wife, Mrs. Surinder Kaur. Starting in Germany, he met the western disciples and later on gave lectures on spirituality in different countries. Everywhere he stressed on discriminating between pure spirituality in accordance with the Holy Scriptures on the one hand and on the other hand magic practices, spiritual healing and countless methods of meditation which are often mistaken for spirituality. The movement Unity of Man began to spread. During the following years, in St. Gilgen near Salzburg, Austria a Centre for the West was established, while in India the Amritsar-Centre (Sawan Ashram) served as

Edit o r i a l I 

headquarters. Many Western disciples also were accommodated in Bhaji’s house in Nag Kalan during their stays.

of humanity. Only a few were knowing that he suffered from a heart trouble since the separation of his Master. All were struck when in summer 1995 he decided to undergo a heart operation in Austria, which was successfully performed. After his return to India in August, he focused his attention on the construction work at Kirpal Sagar. Day and night he spent on supervising the work on the Sarovar, the oval shaped pond in the centre of the Project, where the basis of the building in its middle was under construction.

A special phase was marked in 1982, when the foundation-stone of Kirpal Sagar was laid and the construction of the first buildings was started. Armed with the potent word of his Master and nearly no means at his disposal, Bhaji devoted himself to this giant task. While lots of difficulties were shaking the Punjab during the eighties, Kirpal Sagar was built up with the help of volunteers from India and abroad. Bhaji took care for the people, he procured materials All main facilities of Kirpal Sagar had been set up, and looked after each and everything. In all circum- when on 24 September he decided to be brought by stances he mastered the problems with equanimity, car to the hospital in Ludhiana. Here, in the same setting an example in all aspects. city where he had got initiation by Sant Kirpal Singh, he left his body in the night of 25 September. Until With incredible strength by her spiritual achieve- his last breath he thought of Kirpal Sagar. “Kirpal ment, Biji Surinder Kaur stood firmly at his side. Sagar is my heart,” he used to say, “one who knows Often she accompanied him on his annual tours Kirpal Sagar, knows my heart.” to the West, which led them through many European countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, After forty years of unique companionship, Biji France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finnland, Slowa- Surinder Kaur had to take the whole responsibility kia and United Kingdom. A close relationship to on her shoulders, which before she had shared with the western disciples developed, and it was during Bhaji. She carried on with full dedication, extended those years that all started to call her ‘Biji’ – mother. the charitable activities, enlarged the facilities like Though she tried to keep herself in the background, school and hospital and put all her efforts to develop she was already known as an advanced disciple at Kirpal Sagar into a blooming garden of spirituality. the time of Sant Kirpal Singh, and His mission had Under her auspices the Symbols were completed acbecome her life. cording to the wish of Sant Kirpal Singh, who himself had outlined their shape. Deeply involved in all affairs, she also accompanied Dr Harbhajan Singh at the United Nations World The inauguration of the Symbols during the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna 1993, where Conference on Unity of Man 2007 was not only a he represented Unity of Man as NGO and had the milestone for the movement Unity of Man. They privilege to address the plenary session of the States set a sign for the world that the good can prevail, if Conference. we are able to realize the underlying unity, which we only have forgotten. This is the basis for peace At that time preparations for a World Conference on on earth, the way the great Masters taught, whose Unity of Man were in progress, which was going to words we read in the scriptures – and often enough take place at Kirpal Sagar from 3 - 6 February 1994. used as a sword. Better to wield the sword of love Dr Harbhajan Singh met personalities of interna- that unites, so that according to the words of Guru tional reputation and introduced the conception of Nanak. Kirpal Sagar with the invitation to the Conference. “Peace be all the world over, under Thy will , O Lord.”. Though being a medical doctor, he set aside all bodily comfort and fully devoted himself to the service

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Kirpal Sagar The venue of the World Conference was the Project Kirpal Sagar in the Punjab. Set up on behalf of Sant Kirpal Singh by Dr Harbhajan Singh and his wife, Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur.

K i r pa l S a g a r I 

Kirpal Charitable Hospital

Library

Langar - Common Kitchen

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Kirpal Sagar Academy

Fathers’ Home

Agriculture and Dairy Farm

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Guest House

Kirpal Bhawan - Satsang Hall

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World Conference on Unity of Man The World Conference on Unity of Man from 1-10 December 2007, was a convention with different fields of attention, corresponding to the multiple aspects of the Project Kirpal Sagar

With regard to the spiritual base of Kirpal Sagar, one field of attention was the interreligious dialogue, as religious tolerance is a must in a growing multicultural world community. A further field of attention was the charity programme, which was to set a practical example: Goodwill should lead to action. For that, as support for socially disadvantaged people, a free ‘Medical Camp’ was started, which continued during the whole month, and wedding ceremonies were celebrated, sponsored by Unity of Man for the daughters of needy families.

Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, Belgium, Canada, France, England, Italy, Australia, Croatia, Slovenia, Rumania, Paraguay, Kenya, Czech Republic, Spain, Syria, Montenegro and Bulgaria. More than thirty invited speakers treated various aspects of world peace and universal brotherhood from their angle of vision: religious leaders from different religions, representatives of inter – religious organisations, human rights activists, social reformers and personalities of the public life.

These activities were part of the colourful supporting The inner and outer beauty of the venue Kirpal Sagar programme, in which also sport played a major role created an atmosphere that let everybody feel peace with the annual National Schools Volleyball Tourna- and harmony. May this spirit of the moment continment, that traditionally takes place in honour of Dr ue to spread throughout the world which was so easy Harbhajan Singh. As chief guests renowned Indian to achieve during these days: To be good, to do good, politicians honoured the occasion. and to be one. As Sant Kirpal Singh had initiated the work for Kirpal We warmly thank all for their attendance, for their Sagar at Nag Kalan near Amritsar at the time of Dr contributions, well wishes and kindness which Harbhajan Singh, a complementary conference pro- helped to make the conference a success. gramme took place in Amritsar and Nag Kalan. From there a procession of buses and cars proceeded to Kirpal Sagar on 8 December, where the main programme began in the evening with a great welcome function. The manifold social programmes, events and presentations gave the opportunity to come together and become acquainted with people from all over the world as well as with the Indian culture. It was beautiful to see how easily people became friendly with one another without regard to creed, colour, nationality or castes. Beside attendees from all over India, people from about twenty other nations participated: Austria,

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K i r pa l S a g a r I 1 5

Inauguration of the Conference In the morning of 1 December, all attendees gathered at the nearby ‘Chowk’, where Mrs Surinder Kaur, president of Unity of Man, uncovered a plate depicting the milestones of the history of Kirpal Sagar. As a symbol for peace two pigeons flew up in the sky.

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Mrs Surinder Kaur inaugurates the World Conference on Unity of Man, 1 December, 2007

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In her address Mrs Surinder Kaur explained the significance of the Conference on Unity of Man, and the assembly remembered Dr Harbhajan Singh, the founder chairman of Kirpal Sagar, who has set up the Project according to the wish of Sant Kirpal Singh. Today we are going through the spiritual teaching; we are going to cross the door of His grace. Sant Kirpal Singh has now opened the door of His grace – only the awakened soul can cross it. Sant Kirpal Singh Ji gave the parshad of Kirpal Sagar to Dr Harbhajan Singh (Bhaji). This was done on the land of Amritsar. Master asked, “Dr Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh had five battalions to work, how many can you give me?” He replied, “Master, I do not have that much. You can use me for Your cause.” Master was speaking to Bhaji, but looking at me, “I need only one with right understanding.” These words were told by Master in the month of December, and today we also enter the month of December. Once Bhaji was asked to write the biography of Sant Kirpal Singh. When he was asked how far he had written, he replied, “I am writing very fast, so fast that I become a part of it. Master is so near to me that (by comparison) this shirt is even far away from me.” By building up Kirpal Sagar Bhaji wrote his own history. Bhaji used to say, “Live and let live.” Our thoughts should be very clear and pure. We all have to develop ourselves and help others to develop themselves. ‘Self knowledge precedes God knowledge.’ Now nine days are left till 10 December 2007, the day for which we all have worked very hard. Lovable words of thanks to all labourers and volunteers concluded the speech.

(Extract of Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur’s opening address)

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Supporting Programme Charitable, cultural and sports activities from 1 - 6 December, 2007

Saturday, 1 December Opening of the Medical Camp and the new surgery and intensive care unit Start of the Medical Highway Service Sunday, 2 December Morning: Shabad Competition Evening: Cultural Programme with Quawalis (Banwari Lal and Bakshi with their party) Monday, 3 December Morning: Opening Ceremony of the Dr Harbhajan Singh Memorial Interschool National Volleyball Tournament Cultural Programme with horse show and traditional dances Evening: Cultural Programme with Quawalis (Mhammad Sherif Qwaal, Malerkotla) Tuesday, 4 December Morning: Continuation of the Volleyball Tournament Night: Light and Sound Stage Show (Historical Scenes from the time of Guru Teg Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh and the Moghul Emperor Aurangzep) Wednesday, 5 December Morning: Continuation of the Volleyball Tournament Afternoon: Final match and closing ceremony of the Volleyball Tournament Prize Distribution Social Programme with Traditional Dances, Sports and Acrobatic Performances Night: Cultural Programme Saraswati Vandana, Kirpal Sagar Academy Choreography, B.ed College, Kirpal Sagar Punjab Virsa (Performance; ancient and present culture in Punjab) Tuesday, 6 December Charity programme – Wedding ceremonies for couples from disadvantaged families

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S u p p o r ti n g P r o g r a mm e I 2 1

Opening of the Medical Camp Hon. S. Rajit Singh Brahmpura, Cabinet Minister of the Punjab, opened the free ‘Medical Camp’ (Medicaid) which continued until the month of January. Additionally he inaugurated the new operating and intensive care tract of the hospital. During the Conference the team of the Kirpal Sagar Hospital was supported by doctors and nurses of the K.H. Memorial Hospital, Nag Kalan, to meet the demands of the expected crowds of patients.

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Hon. S. Rajit Singh Brahmpura also opened the Medical Highway Service. Waving a green flag, he gave the start for the first ambulance which will take up duty on a highly frequented part of the AmritsarDelhi highway.

Bottom and top right: Opening the free Medical Camp Top right: One of the patients room Bottom right: Start of the Medical Highway Service

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Interschool Shabad Competition On 2 December, the Shabad Competition took place in Kirpal Sagar

The chief guest, Hon. Sarwan Singh, Chief Parliament Secretary, welcomed the audience on behalf of the Government of Punjab. He expressed his esteem for Kirpal Sagar as a place where all religions are respected. At 10:00 a. m. the Interschool Shabad Competition started, in which groups from 17 schools from the surrounding area participated. The texts of these traditional songs are verses and hymns from the Holy Scriptures, expressing love and devotion to God. The contest was won by a girl group of Ludhiana.

Above: Hon. Sarwan Singh receiving a medal of honour from Mrs. Surinder Kaur Below: Mrs Surinder Kaur awards the first prize to the winners

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My dear children, The children who sang these Shabads came from different schools of Punjab, including the Kirpal Sagar Academy and the Kirpal Sagar Public School. We all live under the grace of Sant Kirpal Singh Ji. In October 1973, He came to this place. The decision to make Kirpal Sagar was taken during His last tour to Amritsar. When Sant Kirpal Singh came here, He said to Bhaji, “If we do not get the place in Amritsar, this land here is also good. One day you will require nine maunds (= 340 kg) of Dal for the Langar (common kitchen). Many, many people will come.” The words spoken by a God man do not go to waste. Master also told, “Dr. Sahib, make a common platform for the whole humanity so that everybody can come and remember the Lord!” Bhaji did it practically. Today the Sangat has come from different parts of India and my brothers and sisters from the West have also come to attend the Conference. The same God Power is working in all of us. We are not in a position to see this Power with our outer eyes, but this Power is every moment here. The human soul remains all the time young. My dear children, your body is young. One day we were also young; it is the body which gets old in course of time. The words of the Lord which we have heard should be put into practice. By doing so, we all can attain His grace which is overflowing. If we make mistakes but correct them, there is no problem; the problem is solved there and then. Then we all can live in oneness. Those who have come to attend the Conference are eagerly waiting for the 10 December. We all are speaking the same language of oneness, even if different languages are spoken (my fellow brothers and sisters from the West use different languages to express their views). I speak His words. The throat belongs to me, but I do not say any word of my own. I still remember Master’s words spoken in Amritsar in 1973. It was His decision to build Kirpal Sagar, and we are putting His words into practice. His words are everlasting. We are very thankful to Him for His grace. His words will never be in vain. My dear children, I am happy that I have heard your voice, your devotion with which you have sung. I request all of you to put the meaning of the Shabads into practice – then you will see for yourself that His grace will come. Our job is to do the best, the rest lies in His hand. (Extract of the address by Mrs Surinder Kaur after the children have performed the Shabad Competition)

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National Volleyball Tournament XII. Dr Harbhajan Singh Memorial Inter School Volleyball Tournament took place from 3 – 5 December

The annual national Volleyball Tournament for boys was started in the morning of 3 December with a ceremony, in which all students, teachers and guests participated. Dances, songs and gymnastics surrounded the official programme. 18 Volleyball teams from the North of India lined up on the sports ground. Hon. Padam Shri Pargat Singh addressed them in a short speech and declared the games open.

Left: Hon. Padam Shri Pargat Singh, Director Sports, Punjab honoured by Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur Right: Dancing and gymnastic programme

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Left: Semi final matches Right: The team of Bhiwani the winner of the tournament

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The second day of the tournament saw several thrilling games. From 10:00 a. m. till evening, 18 teams played in four groups on two fields. It was a hard contest. The first rank in each of the four groups qualified for the semi-finals of the next day. On 5 December, the Dr Harbhajan Singh Memorial Inter School National Volleyball Tournament for Boys ended with the semi finals and the final match. Chief guest of the day was Hon. S. Gulzar Singh Ranike, cabinet minister of Punjab, responsible for sports. He addressed the audience and then handed out the

awards to the teams, assisted by Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur and representatives of Unity of Man. In both semi final matches the teams gave their utmost. At last the finalists were found: SAI Mastuwana, Punjab and Baba Mugipa Sr. Sec. School, Bhiwani, Haryana. The final match was again a hard fight over three sets with several exciting moments and artistic actions. In the end the team of Bhiwani was the winner of the tournament.

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Wedding Ceremonies In India the marriage ceremony is important, but also very expensive. Consequently, Unity of Man supports disadvantaged families by sponsoring the marriage for their daughters

In the morning of 6 December, twenty-eight bridal couples arrived in Kirpal Sagar. They came along with their families from different villages and towns within a radius of 200 km around Kirpal Sagar. The

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marriage ceremonies were celebrated according to the religious belief of the couples, in this case the marriage rites of the Sikhs.

After the official marriage-ceremony all guests were served a typical Punjabi wedding meal catered by the common kitchen of Kirpal Sagar. Then the newly married couples received basic equipments needed

for a new household: a fully equipped bedroom, furniture for a living-room, kitchen utensils as well as clothes and watches, sponsored by Unity of Man.

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Culture Programme From 1 - 10 December, the Conference was supported by a great variety of culture

Divine musicians with their bands performed religious songs from the Hindu-, Sikh-, and Sufi tradition. Dramas with religious and historical background, traditional dances and other performances rounded out the programme and gave a colourful picture of India’s many-faceted culture.

Group of Quawali singers

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India-wide known group named “Bakshi”

Group of Quawali singers

Famous Punjabi Sufi singer, “Hans Raj Hans”

Girls of the Kirpal Sagar Academy

The party “Banwari Lal”

Scene of the religious drama

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Main Programme Interreligious dialogue and celebrations of the 75th birthday of Dr Harbhajan Singh and the Silver Jubilee of Kirpal Sagar, 7 - 10 December, 2007

Friday, 7 December Complementary Conference Programme in Amritsar 11:00 a. m. – 13:00 p. m. Guru Nanak Auditorium Saturday, 8 December Morning Reception in Nag Kalan near Amritsar Procession to Kirpal Sagar Evening Welcome Function at Kirpal Sagar Night Ras Leela – Scenes from the Life of Lord Krishna with Gopis Sunday, 9. December Morning: Conference Session I Speeches of the delegates Afternoon: Session II Discourses Night Sufi songs – Hans Raj Hans Monday, 10 December Celebrations of the 75th Birthday of Dr Harbhajan Singh and the Silver Jubilee of Kirpal Sagar Morning: Conference Session III 15:00 p. m. Inauguration of the Symbols Evening: Concluding Session of the Conference Press-Conference Fireworks

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Complementary Function in Amritsar Organized as a conference on a smaller scale, it took place at the well-known ‘Guru Nanak Bhawan’, the main conference hall of the city

Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur, President of Unity of Man, India spoke words of thanks for all the contributions: The World Conference on Unity of Man we are celebrating is the essence of Dr Harbhajan Singh’s life. How is it possible to bring this unity and how can a man know another man? He was just like a soldier but very simple in each respect. See, how he worked with us and gave the message of peace to everybody. It is not a matter of speaking, it is not a matter of writing, it can not be shown in form of a picture, but it is a practical subject, it is the essence of our life – this is how we have to go forward. It is not a new subject, it is also written in the Guru Granth Sahib, it is the essence of what was told in this conference hall, we should know it and learn to swim in His ocean. As Sant Kirpal Singh invited all the heads of the different religions at the Unity of Man Conference (in 1974) to come and sit on a common platform, in the same way Dr Harbhajan Singh repeated the same message in Amritsar, in this hall, on this very stage. Before he brought the message to Kirpal Sagar, before he came to Nawan Shahar, Rahon, he gave the same light in this very hall. He showed us the way, he gave the light. Only an awakened Satguru, an awakened soul can plant a tree of light, and with this tree the Mahapurushas give us light of different colours. Only that one is a true lover who knows the worth of such a tree. In this congregation Dr Harbhajan Singh advised everybody to step forward. He often was asked about, what was his highest wish. His only purpose was that the message of unity should flourish all over the world. He who develops himself is his true friend. The Almighty Power has created the whole creation.

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If we want to love God, we should love the whole creation. This great message of Unity of Man is the highest, therein is no high or low. We are all one. When Sant Kirpal Singh lived and worked among us, He gave initiation to more than 200 000 people. How Dr Sahib Ji got so dear, so close to Master? He was the one who fulfilled the wishes of the highest Power and conveyed His wish. He was the picture of the highest Power and thus came very close to Him. He was with Sant Kirpal Singh till His physical departure, till His last breath. Bhaji was the power who brought up Master’s life, who opened our hearts to Master’s life. He was one time asked, “Is it necessary to hang up your picture here?” He replied, “No, if you want to see my picture, look at my life. If you want to see me, you should see the greatness of my Master.” Today I tell you his words, it is only my voice giving his message to all of you. This mission is to be lived practically, everyone who is in this mission should put it into practice. Step by step we developed up to this point that we now are sitting here on the stage and give His message. This power gives instructions all the times so that we are able to work; He is our guide. All brothers and sisters should work together to bring the message of peace and love. If we go on with love and peace, He surely will show us the way. After the conference, after 10 December, we will have a meeting to discuss how to proceed and work further, how we have to get His further grace to work. If we work in unity and live in unity - and we have just heard His message of unity – if we accept it, problems will not arise. Sitting on the stage I got many new ideas. I

Representatives of different religions emphasized the common core of their believes at the Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

could see today that there are many people who are bound to one place. Who is God, how can we recogready to help others in both ways: They do not only nize Him? Where is God? Where a lover lives. To the give something, but always have the remembrance of tree where a lover is sitting, automatically all other God and love God, such people can do good for oth- lovers come. ers. If we step forward, He will surely tell us the way. It is not only the work of one, but of all. We have to do each and everything in a very peaceful manner. We have to remember the Lord and have deToday there are also some brothers and sisters from votion for Him. If we get the light of the tree of devothe West here, and some more will come to Kirpal tion from the Lord and pass it on everywhere, peace Sagar, high-spirited and full of love for God. They will prevail all over the world. If we attain peace in are already in Delhi and will reach Kirpal Sagar this ourselves, we can give peace to others. If we do not evening. have peace in ourselves, we can not give peace to others. One time in America, Master was asked: “Why all Saints came and lived in India?” Regarding this Mas- These are the words of my Hazur, which I have put ter gave one message: “Where the flag of unity is al- before all of you. I gave you this message to show you ready raised up, there such souls come and continue who was my Master. Shabad is my Guru, the stream of the work.” At such places no one remains hungry or Shabad can never end, this Power is always with us. without shelter or clothes, and everybody gets love. The power works everywhere in the world, it is not I am thankful to all who showed us the way of unity

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Nag Kalan On 8 December, the attention focused on the procession to Kirpal Sagar

The day began with a visit in the village of Nag Kalan, where Dr Harbhajan Singh and his wife Biji Surinder Kaur lived before they moved to Kirpal Sagar. Nag Kalan is located in a distance of about 10 kilometres from Amritsar. Here Sant Kirpal Singh laid the foundation stone of Dr Harbhajan Singh’s hospital in 1973, stating that it was the foundation-stone of the future Manav Kendra (‘man-centre’, means Kirpal Sagar).

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Top left: Entrance to the hospital Centre Left: Partial view of the hospital Bottom left : Courtyard of house of Dr Harbhajan Singh Right: Procession to the house of Dr Harbhajan Singh and Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur

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Above and below: Welcome reception in the house of Dr Harbhajan Singh Right: Donating the public stage

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A warm welcome was given to all participants in the house of Dr Harbhajan Singh and Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur. At a nearby public stage donated by Unity of Man to the people of the village, several speakers shared their remembrances of Dr Harbhajan Singh’s work as a doctor. In touching words they reminded of several hopeless cases he had saved. All expressed their deep respect and support for the aims Dr Harbhajan Singh stood for.

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Dear Sangat, Before going through the World Conference on Unity of Man, we have first come to this place. From here the awakened soul (Bhaji) worked and sowed the seed of the tree under which we are all sitting (Kirpal Sagar). From this shady tree different kinds of lights are shining. It was the heart’s desire of our beloved friend. We sit under the shade of this tree and we owe him our thanks.

There are so many Sants, so many gurus, but Dr Harbhajan Singh was an awakened one. His motto was ‘live and let others live’. He was a shining example in his village. He was the support of the suffering men.

Dr Harbhajan Singh was a man, a true human being. Only man can be the teacher of man. The Word is the Master. This Power has given us power since ever.

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Whatever I tell you about him, not I alone do tell, the loveable people from the West will also speak about his greatness, and we will see how many will come to attend this Conference. Bhaji lived in this village and practised in a small room in his own house, and he used to go from village to village to attend the patients. Who has planted the tree of spirituality? Sant Kirpal Singh. Once Master was sitting in Dehra Dun among

a team of doctors and said, “My God’s doctor is also life, we should also look at the life of his parents. sitting here.” Then Master asked these doctors how When problems occurred, according to the up and they practised in their surgeries, and everyone ex- downs in life, Bhaji was never worried. Everything plained in which way he used to work. At last Master he did, he did with happiness, even when there were asked Bhaji, and he answered in simple words, very difficulties. sweet words full of love: “My way of doing it is very simple. I have three types of rates. For example, if Today his grace is showering down. People may call some poor patient is coming for treatment, I don’t themselves ‘Guru’, but the love Bhaji radiated was charge anything and besides, I give him food, clothes extraordinary. He came to give and not to get someand milk. If some normal patient is coming, I charge thing for himself. I have seen myself, how Bhaji began ordinary rates. If a rich man is coming, I take my with this school. He was the president of the school, maximum rate. I need not tell you how I am working and I know how hard he had to work that it could in the hospital, you are seeing it, there is no need for run. After his younger sister married, the former explanation. I am not the doer, the doer is the Power, chief minister of Punjab came to Nag Kalan, and it I am just following His words.” was Bhaji’s wish unto him that this school should be a governmental school, and it was done at once. Throughout his life Bhaji maintained one thing: Whatever income he used to get, he used to spend Today we continue the work Bhaji started. Until now for the upliftment of others, and a little part only he we did not have a procession from here to Kirpal Saused to spend for himself and the family-life. gar and it was the wish of the Sangat that the procession should start from here. Those living near parBhaji held the opinion, “If my neighbour is hungry, I ticipated in the programme here, others will join the should first give food to him and then take it myself.” procession to Kirpal Sagar. Such a life he led. It was Dr Sahib’s motto to give and not to take, the In the school where we just now had the programme, same motto I have retained. Master had been physically there, and all the inhabitants of Nag Kalan were assembled there. Pardesi Ji During his practice time Bhaji used to be called was also there, and full of intoxication he told very ‘God’s doctor for the suffering’. Even when a patient loudly, “O inhabitants of Nag Kalan, search the dia- came at midnight and called Bhaji’s name, he came at mond!” At that time it was like this that in the pandal once and cared for him, even when one patient came (the tent where Sant Kirpal Singh spoke in the Sat- while he was eating, he first cared for the patient and sang) many souls rose above the body-consciousness, then finished his food. such a grace He gave. I can give you thousands of examples from his life. Why was Bhaji so renowned? Because of his humility and love. He took his parents as an example, they were very loveable with each other. Since the moment Extract of the speech after the inauguration I entered their house I had never heard bad words. When Bhaji’s mother went back (passed away), Bhaji peacefully integrated his father entirely into the family just like a hen is protecting her chickens underneath. As long as Bhaji’s father worked in this village, there was peace and contentment prevailing everywhere, it was a spring of happiness. Whatever he did in his life he did with love. Before we look at Bhaji’s

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Arrival at Kirpal Sagar

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The procession to Kirpal Sagar was formed up with numerous coaches, cars and motorcycles. Shortly before the arrival, all got off the cars and the procession formed an impressive parade where people from all participating nations, colours and creeds marched happily together and made everybody feel the spirit of unity.

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In the huge conference tent the Inaugural Session took place. An impressive presentation with a manifold programme was held. The Students of the Kirpal Sagar Academy opened up the World Conference on Unity of Man with a delightful welcome song. Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur welcomed all participants, and with with a theatrical performance with scences from the life of Lord Krishna the first day of the World Conference went out. Left and right: Impressions of the first day of the World Conference

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Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur, President of Unity of Man, India, gave a warm welcome speech:

When Sant Kirpal Singh came into this world, He came with the blessing of the God Power. Many Swamis and members have come, most of them are new, Today we sit with all the Rishis travelling the path and it is our duty to tell them why it was His mission that was set for us by our Masters. This is the shining to build this Kirpal Sagar. At that time Master said, of the Amrit (inner water, grace) which is very diffi- “Dr Sahib, make this one common stage where peocult to explain in words. Who has brought us to this ple of all faiths can come and be able to sit together.” stage at present, while He (God Power) sits beyond And today we are all here on that occasion to fulfil the reach of these physical eyes? There are no words His mission. that can explain His true being. We are travelling on His path destined for our birth and work in this life. We have travelled a long day from Nag Kalan and these members have done all they could for the misWhen this Power leads, it leads by a line for all to sion, and we can only say how hard they have worked follow. It is in this time that you have to be there to for it. And by His greatness He is capable of giving fulfil His duties. This is not our greatness, but we are His spiritual treasures to them. only travelling in His will. He has given us the power in the physical form, but the time of birth and death As we were travelling, I saw in the cars and buses that is still in His hands. This key He has not given to all had such great love for Master and Kirpal Sagar anyone else. that there was no thought of tiredness amongst them, and with that great love I watched them all coming When Bhaji was blessed by Master with this Parshad here. And of whom those have got power and bless(Kirpal Sagar) as his duty, it was his question, “Hazur, ing who have worked to build this God-house, with it is all your work, ours is only our name.” When Mas- His strength and His love we have all reached here. ter then came physically there (to the farm which is Master always said, “We are all one.” now a part of Kirpal Sagar), He gave His blessing and said that one day there would be a time of blessing of And with this I finish by saying that you have all been Amrit at this place. As a king always wishes, the true here sitting in the cold with good, steady minds and I God Power, the King of kings, also wants that one day can say to you that He is here, watching all of you, as His son, becomes a king too. Today to that God Power He is the King of kings, He can give you everything. I can only pray that one prayer, “Such sewa (selfless service) each country and member has given from all over the world, all this is Your doing, we are only the ones who give You voice.” (Extract)

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9 December On 9 December, in the morning, the first session of the conference started. It was a marvellous sight to watch Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews and Muslims sitting side by side on the stage.

Delegates from all five continents shared their views on the major problems of mankind and explained their approaches to meet these challenges. The conference panel consisted of various renowned religious representatives, spiritual leaders, scientists

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and human rights activists. Their speeches related to world peace and universal brotherhood, and many took up Sant Kirpal Singh’s motto: Be good – Do good – Be one.

Session I Jain Muni Munishree Lokeshji, President Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti; India Goswami Sushil Ji, Founder-President Maharishi Bhrigu Foundation; India Dr Ann Elisabeth Auhagen, FU University of Berlin; Germany Maulana Umair Ahmed Ilyasi, General Secretary of the All India Organisation of Mosques; India Mrs Rajyogini Prema Behen Ji, Brahmkumari; India Dr Ezekiel Malekar, Judah Hayam Synagogue, Delhi, Head of the Yahoodi Community, Registrar of the National Human Rights Commission of India Father Bernard, Order of Saint Benedict, Inter-Monastic Dialogue, Asirvanam Monastery, Bangalore; India Mr Karamjit Singh, Chairman Unity of Man; India

Message of peace Jain Muni Munishree Lokeshji, President Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti; India Dear brothers and sisters, First of all, I congratulate Biji Surinder Kaur and others for organizing this 10-day World Conference on Unity of Man’ Punjab, the land of saints and sages has fragrance of love in its soil. The sweet melodies of world peace and unity of man keep ringing here from time immemorial. The missionary zeal with which this celestial land of Kirpal Sagar is imbued with, has the echo of bringing all humanity, irrespective of caste, colour, creed, religion and country, on one common platform and making them realize their true selves – their inner spiritual selves. This will be our talk for the next 10 days. and this what we have gathered for over here. I thank Sushil Ji Maharaj, Braham Kumari Baal yogini Behan Prem Lata Ji, Mulana Umar Oliya Eliasi and Father Barnard from the core of my heart for being a part of this noble cause and assure them that together we shall definitely take this flag of world peace and Unity of Man quite high. Jainism believes ardently in the ‘Policy of non-violence’. It follows the policy of non–violence not only in words but also in actions and true spirit. According to our Jainistic belief,

non-violence does not only mean to avoid physical violence. Rather it has deeper connotations. It means, “Not to hurt morally, spiritually, or emotionally even.” Jainism believes that even if we have evil thoughts in our minds and dark emotions of brutality and hatred in our hearts, it means that even if we have gone astray, we are able to tread on the path of non-violence. I feel myself overjoyed to come to Kirpal Sagar, the missionary abode of world peace and non-violence and on behalf of the whole Jain community, I assure our full support to become the ‘Birds of same feather (feathers of world peace) to flock together’ to turn this cherished dream of unity of man into a living and breathing reality.

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The practical life in the real sense of Unity of Man is removing with God’s help all hindrances of religious and national conflicts and at the same time bringing about understanding between all men and in the end: the peace of the world. Dr Harbhajan Singh

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We are one Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, Founder-President Maharishi Bhrigu Foundation; India Dear brothers and sisters, First of all, I Sushil Ji Maharaj, welcome all religious leaders with open arms to this world conference on Unit of Man which is jointly and proudly being organized by ‘Unity of Man’ and Kirpal Sagar at the pious land of Punjab. Religious and spiritual orators from far and wide have voiced their views on the inner unity of man and soul before us. And on the behalf of every body present over here at the top of my voice, I say ‘We are one’ ‘We are united’ and ‘Unity of Man is our mission. And it is my ardent belief that together we shall definitely be able to make the cherished dreams of universal peace and unity of man, envisaged by Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj and Dr Harbhajan Singh Ji, come true and take their ideals on world map. I appeal to all my brothers and sisters to lend their whole-hearted support to this noblest mission of Universal Peace and harmony to make it a real success. And peace begins from mind, and if our minds

Islam and peace Maulana Umair Ahmed Ilyasi, General Secretary of the All India Organisation of Mosques; India Dear brothers and sisters, May the Almighty God give peace to all. Islam is a peace-loving religion. But today the very picture of Islam is being presented in its most distorted form. It is wrong. The sole message of Islam is peace, peace and only peace – peace for all living and breathing creatures. A few days back, I got the opportunity to meet the ‘Dalai Lama’ who told me that whatever has

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are not calm, how can we inspire others to remain calm? Next maxim is ‘love’; in the real sense of the word we can make a beautiful rosary of Unity of Man with the pious thread of love. Right now we all are scattered pearls and are of no use. But once we bind ourselves in the rosary of peace, love, fraternity and unity we can usher in a new era in the history of mankind and give the message of cardinal unity of mankind to one and all. So let us have a gentleman’s agreement that we shall keep marching on the roads of peace and harmony and devote ourselves whole-heartedly to make overtures for ‘Unity of Man’ single-mindedly.

been done by the Taliban a few days back with the idols of Lord Buddha has created a wave of hatred

among Buddhists for Islam in general. I told him quite candidly and with humility that Islam talks only of ‘Grace of Allah’. It does not support the ignobility acts of razing the idols to ground and condemns this ignobleness act at the top of its voice. The chief message of Islam is to spread peace and harmony and not at all to spread hatred and violence. I appeal to all with folded hands not to misinterpret the godly teachings of Allah and Islam. Our mission is world peace, our mission is unity of man, our mission is love and non-violence. And those who believe in violence, those who believe in hatred and those who believe in infamous acts of breaking idols, are,

Positive Communication Speech by Dr Ann Elisabeth Auhagen, PD FU Berlin Dear friends, If you want, please think of a person that you do not like so much. For example, this person may have insulted you or may have treated you unjustly. Or she or he may just be not very congenial in your view. Now please imagine that person vividly in your mind. What are the feelings that accompany your thoughts about this person? Now, if you want, let us make a change. Please try to find out what is good about this person. Certainly there is something good in that person. Can you find out what it is? Now look at yourself. What are your feelings now? Do you perceive any difference?

in no way, Muslims, they are ‘Kaffirs’ (non-believer and non-religious). A true Mohammedan never believes in hatred and violence. Rather his mission is always love, peace and fraternity. He is a staunch believer, and ardent follower of non-violence in true spirit, words, and deeds. In the end, I pray to Allah to show us the right path and guide us through the darkness of hatred and violence.

ciple of Positive Communication? Positive Communication is communicating whilst being guided by charity and selflessness. Communicating in this manner implies thinking, feeling, talking, and acting. Again: Positive Communication is to think, to feel, to talk, and to act whilst being guided by charity and selflessness. Charity in Positive Communication is understood as being a positive emotion towards everyone. At a minimum, we should be aware of the dignity and value of everyone. There is no exception: everybody

Dear friends, thank you very much for having done this little exercise. The idea behind it was to demonstrate that we are able to change thoughts and feelings about others from negative to positive. In addition, this was already a demonstration of Positive Communication. Positive Communication is a new approach to communication which I, Ann Elisabeth Auhagen from Germany, was inspired to develop. It combines spiritual thinking with knowledge from communication psychology. What is the basic prin-

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is included here. Remember what we have done angry at someone, not forgiving to someone, sendsome minutes ago: we tried to change our thinking ing someone bad wishes or thoughts, physical or and feeling towards a person we have thought quite psychological power are examples. In consequence, negatively about in the past. Of course, there can be in Positive Communication one thinks positively of different levels of charity, and Positive Communica- people. Here one tries to make an end to any quarrel, tion offers us some opportunity to develop higher and pray for people you think you dislike. In conselevels of it. Selflessness in Positive Communication is quence, you are moving towards a dissolving of the understood as thinking, feeling, talking, and acting bindings. without expecting something in return or gratitude. Not: I do you a favour, and you do me a favour in Another spiritual aim of Positive Communication return. Rather: For my Positive Communication I do is to increase love and joy. I am convinced that one not expect anything, but if something good happens, task we are given by God is to enlarge love and joy I will enjoy it. on this planet. As I understand it, God wants us all to experience love and joy instead of harm and grief. What are basic ideas of Positive Communication? And if we increase love and joy for others, we ourOne basic idea is that good lies in everyone. The selves certainly will experience more of it. This can good is in us because everyone was given a divine be explained by the spiritual law of sowing and reapsparkle by God. This divine sparkle is inalienable ing: what we sow, we will reap. Just imagine what the and unchangeable. We are offered to rediscover it, world would be like, if everyone would choose on a which implies rediscovering the good as a central daily basis to increase love and joy for others! point in our lives. Another basic idea is that we have a free will. This is also a gift from God. At least, two How can Positive Communication be applied on the consequences follow from the free will: we should re- everyday level? Positive Communication is the volspect the free will of others, and we are responsible untarily applied principle to communicate whilst befor ourselves. ing guided by charity and selflessness. It is possible in any situation, and there is no narrow scheme for A third basic idea of Positive Communication is that its application. we have the possibility of reconsidering our everyday lives. Often we have a lot of routine in our every- Let me give you some examples of Positive Commuday lives. But is all of that really helpful to us and to nication ideas. Begin yourself with being and doing others? Positive Communication suggests thinking good: this means that you do not have to wait for and acting independently. For example, if someone others to do good. For example, often people say: if is unfriendly to them, many people also react in an the other person apologizes, then I will forgive him unfriendly manner. In contrast, Positive Communi- or her. Do not think like this. Forgive – independent cation suggests reacting kindly in such a case. Thus, of any circumstances. Begin yourself with being and if we find out about something in our communica- doing good. tion that does not serve ourselves or others in a good way, we have the possibility of rearranging it more Be generous! Generosity can concern material or imadequately. material aspects. When in doubt, decide to be generous: instead of giving less, give more. Be generous. What are basic spiritual aims of Positive Communication? One spiritual aim is to dissolve bindings. From Pray spontaneously for others! For example, if I pera spiritual perspective, bindings can be imagined as ceive that a stranger has problems with his body or being chains with which we chain ourselves up with his mind, I realize that life may be sometimes quite others. They hinder us from being free. Bindings in difficult for him or her. Thus this person needs my this spiritual sense emerge through negative think- spiritual help in particular. In these cases I pray and ing, feeling, talking, and acting. Quarrel, hate, being bless spontaneously with the help of a short mental

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prayer. It happened to me in my home country, out- for you to communicate with others. Also, Positive side in the street: a man with a hateful facial expres- Communication helps to avoid conflict and harm. sion threw a lighter at my arm. I smiled as kindly as There is nothing to fear: most people react much I could at the man and prayed for him and blessed more positive than we think. You will also get along him in a heartfelt manner. Of course, I also pray and better with yourself. As Positive Communication bless spontaneously in positive situations and for brings love and joy to other people, they will be happeople I know. pier when being with you. The glance in their eyes will reflect on you. And you will feel more love yourIncrease harmony! At least in the Western world self. people sometimes feel stressed and in a bad humour. Do not let yourself be influenced by negative feelings In summary, my message is: first, we all are good. or negative moods. Rather, send out good humour Second, we all are invited simply to perform the and thus increase harmony. Make someone happy. good in our everyday life by communicating whilst During the day you can ask yourself: What would being guided by charity and selflessness. Third, if we make my neighbour happy? If you find out some- perform Positive Communication in our everyday thing which seems to be spiritually acceptable, just lives, the lives of others as well as ours will change to realize it. more joy and to more love. There are numerous possibilities for Positive Communication. Be creative yourself! Give your best, but never feel coerced to do good. To perform Positive Communication is a voluntary decision. Just do what your feelings of love and selflessness tell you to do. I often pray that I am aided in doing the right thing. What are basic results of Positive Communication that you can directly perceive in your everyday life? You will get along better with others! It will be easier

Dear friends, let us translate Positive Communication once more into reality. Please imagine again your person from the beginning, the person you maybe did not like too much. Please create for this person in yourself the warmest of emotions that you can feel. Can you imagine that you and the other person are both united in God and are loved equally by God? Now, if you want, say a prayer for this person. Thank you all for being here!

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The world is one family Dr Ezekiel Malekar, Judah Hayam Synagogue, Delhi, Head of the Yahoodi Community, Registrar of the National Human Rights Commission of India Respected religious leaders, brothers and sisters Quoting Psalm 133: It means, how pleasant and beautiful it is to see our brothers and sisters dwelling in unity! To my friends who have come from other countries I would like to tell that Jews have been living in India for the last 2000 years without AntiSemitism and persecution, and therefore we always considered India as our motherland. India is a multi-religious country and you will find that there are representatives from 10 different religions, but they are co-existing without coming into conflict with each other. They live in harmony. Our India – as it is said ‘Vasudeva Kudumbukam’, (means ‘The world is one family’) – is a global village. We always believe in the principles of unity in diversity, and we welcome guests by saying ‘Atithi devo Bhava’, means, ‘Welcoming you all, we welcome God’.

through love and non-violence could be written forever, and whatever is obtained by hatred or violence cannot be written forever. It is said in the Vedas that there are three runas which you have to clear: First is your obligation to God, that is deva runa, second is your obligation to rishi runa, your obligation to Master, and third is pitru runa, your obligation towards your parents, but above all it is said that you should fulfill one more obligation, that is your obligation towards humanity (manushya runa). If you did not fulfill the deva runa, rishi runa and pitru runa, (but fulfilled your obligation towards humanity only) automatically you would get God’s blessings.

What is religion? Hinduism is 5000 or 6000 years If you look at the 10 commandments, the first five old, Judaism is 5600 years old, other religions like commandments are your obligations towards God, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam are less than 6000 or 7000 and the next five commandments are your obligayears old. Now, can anyone tell me, was there any tions towards your family. What is the fifth comreligion earlier than 7000 or 8000 years ago? God mandment? ‘Thou shall honour thy parents!’ If you created man and man created religion. There was no honour your parents, (and) you will not go to any religion earlier than 6000 or 7000 years ago. What is place of worship, God will automatically shower upon religion? Religion is like a rainbow. A rainbow has 7 you His blessings. But nowadays, are we looking after colours, but where it is merged, you get one colour, our elders? As soon as a son is getting married, you that is white. Look at the cows of different colours, know, the fathers, the parents are on the street. What they are black, white, brown, but you get milk of one is the condition of the elderly persons? Who is there? colour, that is of white colour. So the same is true There is no joint family – not in India and also not for religion. It is said in the Rigveda (quotation in abroad. So my main concern is about the elderly perHindi), ‘Truth is one, we may call it by many names’. sons in the family. There will not be unity unless and It is said in Srimad Bhagvadam (of Lord Krishna), until you take care of your parents. You do not need ‘Like a honeybee extracting honey from various flow- to go to a Mosque or a Mandir (temple) to pray to ers, wise men read holy scriptures of all religions and the Almighty, but you should take care of your partake the essence of goodness not only of one particu- ents, (and) you will fulfill all the obligations. Nowalar religion’. This is the essence of religion. What did days prayer has become a fashion. Someone goes to Mahatma Gandhi say? ‘Truth is my religion and I the cinema or to the Mosque or the Mandir (temple) will obtain it by non-violence.’ Whatever is obtained – it has become a fashion. Prayer has to be said from

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the core of the heart. There is a beautiful couplet in Hindi (quotation in Hindi): “What you utter from your mouth is a song – what you say from the throat is like a devotional song.’ Prayer is like a ladder, God is invisible, but through prayer you can make God visible. And there is no difference between Ram and Rahim. So this is the essence of all the religions.

gift of Vipassana. If you follow these principles, you will be very hale and healthy. You cannot have peace unless and until you have tolerance. Ego, I - if you use the word ‘ism’, Judaism – an ‘ism’ - , Sikhism – an ‘ism’ – if you do not remove the ‘ism’ and do not remove the ego, there will not be unity. We have to follow the art of tolerance. You might have seen the snake, it has no feet, but it climbs a tree. You must In Judaism it is said, ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself.’ have seen the tree – if you throw stones on the tree, Somebody asked Rabbi Hillel, “What is the essence you will get the fruits in return. Similarly you must of the Torah? Just tell me one sentence!” And Rabbi be humble in all your activities. Hillel said, “What is hateful and what is hurtful to you, do not do to others!” If you follow this prin- At the end I would like to say, “O God, you have taught ciple, there will be unity and peace. We are talking us how to fly in the air like birds, how to swim in the about peace. What is peace? Peace is a very unique, ocean like a fish. But o God, kindly teach us how to dynamic concept. Peace is not falling (on us), peace walk on this earth in brotherhood, in dignity.” is to be built. Some persons build peace in the heart, other persons destroy it. It is said in the Bible and When I came here to Kirpal Sagar, I felt the vibrathe Koran, “Blessed are those who are peacemakers. tion of spirituality, and when I will go back, I would Because they will be called the sons of God.” like to tell to all on behalf of my friends here: “Kirpal Ashram (Kirpal Sagar) – we cannot forget this But there is no peace within ourselves. We are all Ashram! And now I would like to express my feelings mentally disturbed. We do not only want physi- in Hindi”, (speaking about Kirpal Sagar in Hindi). cal fitness, we want mental tranquillity, tranquillity of mind. And that gift India has given to the entire Salam! world. Which are those gifts? That is Yoga, Asanas, and Pranayama to keep the body physically fit. And in order to have mental fitness, India has given the

Universal brotherhood, soul and peace Mrs Rajyogini Prema Behen Ji, Brahmkumari; India Oh you all, Godly people. First of all, I congratulate one and all for coming and becoming a part of this divine and ethereal world conference on ‘Unity of Man’ organized at the ocean of grace, Kirpal Sagar. It gives me immense pleasure to come over here and be a part of this noble cause. I consider myself fortunate enough to feel the joy of realizing the dream of world peace and unity of man, envisaged by Biji and other good samaritans of Unity of Man and play my role in its visualization. God is one but His followers, His lovers are many. His

abode is one but many ways lead to it so everybody tries to worship Him, to love Him and realize Him in his own way. To be one with Him and to reach at

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His doorsteps, we all are duly – bound to realize His unique being in all and feel His gracious presence in all living and breathing creatures. An awakened soul can make millions and billions of souls rise from deep slumber of ignorance and fanaticism and make them realize that God is one and His divine light can ignite a spark of divinity and spirituality among all. His divine power can remove the darkness of hatred and violence from all corners of the world.

within me and I can feel His presence in everyone and in everything. I can hear His sweet melodies of love and peace, they keep ringing in my ears….. It is a sacred land and truly an ocean of grace. I salute it with folded hands. But alas! Man in his ignorance is trying to spoil the divine plans of the omniscient and omnipresent God and is acting against the natural laws. Come what may, it should be our sole mission and cherished endeavour to follow the righteous path shown by our Master.

As light is there to remove darkness, so is the mis- We are in dire need to learn from our blunders. We sion of noble souls: To remove spiritual darkness and need to rise above common place and quench our ignite the divine spark of love, harmony, fellowship spiritual thirst. We should feel Him within us and in and fraternity in one and all. Such a lighthouse of every breathing and living soul. We should never for‘angelic virtues’ will definitely spread the divine light get Him in everyday hue and cry and feel His presevery where he goes. I salute this mission of love, ence in everything we do. We should dedicate all our peace and unity and congratulate all missionaries. I deeds to Him and most important we should surrenam happy to share with all that I can feel His divine der ourselves to Him wholeheartedly and without fragrance within me. I can feel his celestial spark raising any ifs or buts.

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It is the only worth-while thing to do. It is the only worth doing deed, to feel His presence everywhere and in everything and to share His divine cognisance with His progeny. Being His progeny, we need to work in perfect peace and harmony.

Unity of man for communal peace Father Bernard, Order of Saint Benedict, Inter-Monastic Dialogue, Asirvanam Monastery, Bangalore; India

Glory belongs to God, love and peace necessary for all men and women of goodwill. All human beings have a unified goal to seek and possess through love and obedience leading to the Supreme Good, namely God, in faith and reason. To this common need and goal we all journey together in loving solidarity, preferring each one’s freedom for rights and obligations by keeping the universal moral order in justice and discretion. Any violation of this socially binding order and structure should be restored and healed by forgiveness and reconciliation to witness to the unity of man.

ship with fellow members. One should live and let live; grow and let grow in the bond and power of love. Love is the energy of relationship. Man experiences and expresses this wonder of love in his peace experience towards God and towards all fellow members. In seeking, having and promoting peace in his engagements and relationship, man is united in mind (right thinking), heart (communal love) and hands (collaboration for the good of the universal family) with other companions. The unity of man shines out when peace of soul thrives in each man. SOLIDARITY: Fraternal love should spread and become a human solidarity capable to develop a fraternal society towards a culture of peace. Knowledge about this truth Is insufficient unless internal and spiritual power dominates and leads on. Fraternal love should triumph to raise healthy relationship strong enough to banish every form and recourse to violence. Violence produces only chain of violence and hatred which are detrimental to human solidarity and peace. Religion never motivates violence; never it should be a cause for violence. On the contrary „religions teach and promote universal peace and reconciliation“ (Pope Benedict at Naples). In any community individuals differ enormously in talents, power, wealth, skills and knowledge. These differences and the availabilities of talents should lend mutual assistance to the less gifted members to improve the common good of all in a spirit of solidarity.

MUTUAL LOVE: We are the fruit of God’s creative love which makes us children of God and image of God. A human being (person) loves and is loved. He is a seed of love and the power of love. When God offered Himself as our Father, He also bestowed on us our true dignity of being the children of God. Our supreme vocation is to be filial to our one divine Father; our noblest responsibility is to be brotherly/ sisterly to all children of God and Father. By nature man is a ‘relationship’; related and relating himself to all other human members. Thus man is primarily a social and sociable person endowed with filial and brotherly relationship. We all are united to live in one communal love. Our supreme charism is sealed with the image of God, a Father Who is love.

The various media of communication should abide by the norms of truth in the service of information. Universal common good requites friendly relations to be fostered and sustained with care and discretion.

Man is born into a membership of his unique and universal family. Hence the basic nature of man is to live, work and collaborate in communal relation-

Peace of God seeks seekers of peace; men of peace need God of peace; Then peace of God can thrive in the seeker of peace.

The United Nations Organization (UNO) was established on 26-1-1945. Its Universal Declaration on Human Rights (approved on 10-12-1948) manifests the unity of men in clearer light.

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Unity and peace of the society, resulting from the common good, can be achieved when the legal structure works in conformity with the moral order. Leadership and authority should respect, protect and promote each members’ rights and duties including the same of the governing authority. This means, leaders and members are reciprocally subjects of rights and duties.

The law of life demands to proceed gradually in the difficult issue of peace in humanity which all desire and need. Towards this communal peace an evolution of harmony and concord should be achieved through proper construction against destruction, pacification against passions and reconciliation against hatred. JUSTICE: Every citizen is an active member of the social order of justice as its subject, foundation and end/goal. Thus all men and women are equal in their natural dignity. Every community (in differing proportion) must have a governing authority and obeying community ultimately both subject to God, the Supreme law. Every individual member has freedom, obligations and rights to be also the basis of the community/society which in turn is invested with authority resting chiefly on moral order. This structure is bound to respect individuals’ conscience in order to safeguard and promote the common good. The authority appeals to every individual to collaborate earnestly for the common good. The individuals on their part are obliged to contribute by bringing own interests into harmony with the needs and good of the community/society. The right to live and the obligation to serve the common good is of great importance to manifest the unity of men which is achieved through the generous contribution of every member of the society. At the same time the common good is to be impartially shared by its members within justice and equity.

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FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE: Peace thrusts its roots in the freedom of consciences open to transparent truth. Respect for the dictates of consciences of all citizens is basic for peace in any sphere of human life. Freedom of conscience should become the basic right of every man for choice, decision and fulfilment. Every person; in spite of frailty, weakness and limitations, has the right and duty to seek and pursue truth and reject error; to accept good and reject evil. Conscience is the most secret core sanctuary of man commanding him to obey the divine law. Properly and well trained conscience responds to the most intimate law of God summoning him to obey the right and shun the error/evil (Vat. II G.S.16; Rom. 2, 15). By nature conscience is related to objective truth which is universal and same for all. The freedom of consolence is justifiable on account of this relation of conscience to objective truth. This in turn requires that each individual’s conscience be respected. “Truth imposes itself solely by the force of its own truth“ (Pope Jn. Paul II). Truth enlightens conscience; Right educates conscience; Faith animates conscience. God alone is the absolute truth. Therefore search for truth and search for God go together. There; is intimate relationship between freedom of conscience and freedom of religion (religious freedom). Such freedom is always open to tolerance and reconciliation. Freedom of conscience is an active love ensuring such freedom and peace for all. Religious freedom is the most fundamental human right because the dignity of every person has its primary source in his relationship with God as Father. Conscience needs upright education. “Conscience on

its own is not the (final) arbiter of the moral worth of the actions which it inspires. It must take account of the objective norms, and if necessary, reform and rectify itself “ (Pope Paul VI, E.T.28). Right social moral order aimed at the common good can well provide one of the surest bases for progress and peace of the universal human family. (Pp John Paul II). In a pluralistic society/world careful education of conscience oriented to respect due freedom of consciences of others is necessary. This approach will help or even demand to acquire knowledge of other religions and cultures loading to common search for freedom, solidarity, cooperation and peace (Pp John Paul II). God Himself respects man’s (His creature’s) freedom. Freedom to seek Truth and adhere to it makes person free to live the splendour of Truth. When we all together seek the real objective Truth by deliberately respecting the consciences of others, the core treasure of every person, then the onward path of freedom will lead to peace the home of the children of God. HUMAN RIGHT: Society is fundamentally set on the principle that every human being is a person by nature endowed with intelligence and freedom having rights and obligations which are universal and inviolable. This human right binds all fellow members to acknowledge the unity of man. Therefore every person has the right to life, personal integrity, the means suitable and available for his development of life concerning food, clothing, shelter, health care and involvement in the social service. He has the right to respect for his person for his good reputation and communication with-in the limits of moral order and the common good. All are bound to live and observe the order God has established. Progressive learning and technological Inventions (which should continue) make man discover in the universe an astonishing order bearing witness to the greatness of man. “Does your soul desire to overcome your lower inclinations? Let it be subject to Him Who is on high and it will conquer the lower self: there will be peace in you, true, secure and well ordered peace. In what does that order consist? God commands the soul, the soul commands the body; and there is nothing more orderly than this“ (St. Augustine: Sermon).

One’s fraternal relationship should generate love for peace because when love serves and cares, peace follows. Such peace of heart needs a communal attitude among all peoples which in turn becomes the peace of heart. All human beings have a natural call to love as well as to peace. All gains minus peace is less perfect. To serve with love means to be both a seeker of peace and a giver of peace to promote a culture of universal peace. Time should come to claim: ‘your peace is my joy; your joy is my peace!’ The joy resulting from fighting and triumphing over the evil is far superior to the shorter pleasure resulting from yielding to evil passions. Man has the right to worship God according to his conscience, faith and freedom. Religious belief should motivate all believers to become educators of peace, of human rights, of freedom to respect every person, of social bonds to take care of one another in a spirit of belonging to the universal family. No individual or individual community should be deliberately excluded on the ground of personal characteristic such as race, religion, culture etc. Peace education from family through all stages of character formation is necessary especially for adults and leaders. Peace thrives in active and multidimensional love. FORGIVENESS: The dignity of man makes him obliged to love and to forgive. Forgiveness is necessary to restore the broken relationship of love. God’s fatherly love for His repentant child is a forgiving love. Accordingly, our fraternal love should be restored, whenever broken, by brotherly forgiveness. Forgiveness requires deep and faithful love founded on spiritual goodness. Commitment to peace and mutual love should encourage one to enter the battlefield to let forgiveness triumph over divisive evils. True forgiveness is total and permanent from the heart level. Forgiveness requires an uncommon spiritual ability and willingness to hate evil and to love the evil doer. CONCLUSION: “Peace is the fundamental good of humanity“ (Pope Benedict). Since every man needs peace and the pursuit of peace, every citizen is duty bound to become a peaceful peace maker himself and peace promoter among the fellow members. Unity of

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man commands this common responsibility resting on every citizen. Interior riches (spirituality) capable to control exterior riches in the right order should animate one’s moral conscience through active and benevolent love. Above all one should create/re-create peace in oneself before setting out to let peace in others. This may require liberal contribution of energy and sacrifice. True love is eminently operative for the peace of heart. Words need corresponding deeds for credibility. A civilisation based on quantity (wealth, growth …) should respect a harmonization with the civilization based on spirituality and the power of virtues. Man is eminently spiritual over mere physical. Since every person is a member of a given community, peace always has a communal dimension. Peace is the harmony of human charisma with Divine law. God abides in peace. Let God abide in all peaceful peacemakers. Varieties set in harmony multiply delight in peace. Let mother India with all her varieties

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in multitudes, be also a mother of peace to all her children and so to the world at large! Peace, Shanti.

Session II Swami Satpreet Hari, Nirmelay Sant, Amritsar; India Prof Peter Schmuck, UMC Potsdam; Germany Swami Atal Krishna, Ludhiana, Hari Krishna-Hari Rama Movement; India Dr Martin Almada, Human Rights activist; Paraguay Swami Saroupa Anand Ji, Nirmelay Sant; India Dr Judit Komáromi, Ireland, representative of Prof. George Vithoulkas, International Academy for Classical Homeopathy; Greece Swami Amrit Ram Ram Snehi, Head of Juna Ramdwara, Jodhpur, Rajasthan; India Mrs Vivi Akakpo, representative of Bishop Rev. Dandala, All Africa Conference of Churches; Kenya Swami Nirmal Chetan, Amritsar, Nirmal Ashram; India Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur, President of Unity of Man; India

Sustainable development as a challenge for the religions of the world

Guideline 3: No wise use of resources.

We actually use mainly finite resources, non-renewable resources, i.e. fossil fuels, coal, gas or nuclear material. By doing that we disturb the cycle of life. Environmental deterioration takes place mainly because Good afternoon, dear ladies and gentlemen, it’s a of burning fossil fuels in houses, ships and aeroplanes. great honour for me to get this opportunity to come One consequence is that the global surface- temperahere to India and to speak here to you, because India ture had increased during the last two centuries by is the home country of several very influential reli- almost 6 degrees Celsius. If we continue with these gions. Thank you for the invitation. If we look at the guidelines, then I think, we will surely come into world in the future in 10, 100 or in 1000 years, then future one, the black one. We will see a collapse of we see – depending from your optimism or pessi- society and a break-down of many ecological cycles. mism – two possible futures. Future 1 is a black one: even more polluted air and cities, many poor and But ladies and gentlemen, what we all want is the confew rich people, more and more illnesses, more and trary. What we want is justice in sharing resources more environmental problems. An alternative future today. It is called by politicians and scientists: ‘intrais also imaginable: it would be a just and fair future, generational justice’. Second what we want is the same happy children, hopeful adults, good clean air and chances for the life of all living creatures, I call it ‘inwater. We all came here together, because we want a terspecies justice’. And third what we all want: justice good future. And the big question we want to answer in sharing resources and living chances between the here, is how can we contribute to arrange a good fu- generations living today and the generations coming ture? Let’s focus the guidelines many societies share in the future. It is called: ‘inter-generational justice’. today. These 3 principles are required, if we want a good fuGuideline 1: No just sharing of resources of the ture. I am psychologist and I ask the question often world – and the injustice is growing from day to day to myself: Why many people especially in the indusGuideline 2: No morally/ethically based relation to trialized countries behave not in sustainable ways? Long reflection about that led me to 3 answers: Another living beings. Prof Peter Schmuck, UMC Potsdam; Germany

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in many countries, I am optimistic that the required change is possible. Only 2 examples: 1. We found out in many psychological studies performed all over the world in 17 countries that people who engage for other people feel better, report a higher well-being than self-focused, self-centred egoistic persons. 2. And the second data pattern: we initiated in Germany environmental projects, i.e. we initiated a bioenergy village where the whole energy of the village – electricity and heat-energy - is produced by the local farmers. They are only taking the manure from the cattle and energy-plants to get enough electricity for all these people. There are 800 people living there in that village. Also these people were analysed through swer 1: Most of the people living today lost their bond, psychological interviews and questionnaires and we their emotional relation to other human beings. found that also these people after the change feel better than before. Answer 2: Most of those people lost their bond, their emotional relation to other living beings living today My conclusion is that humans are able to behave ac– to plants and animals. cording to the principles of sustainable development. And even more – I think that – data show – that Answer 3: Lot of those people living not sustainable people doing that, engaging for other people and for lost the bond, the emotional relation to future living other living beings are rewarded by evolution with beings: humans as well as other creatures. the highest prize evolution has to offer for us, for human beings: individual well-being. In the language most of you may prefer: many human beings lost their spiritual connection to each other, to That is the reason for my optimism that we are not other living beings, to the future or you may say: They condemned to the dark future, that it is not an ineslost their connection to God. Why that happened? I capable scenario – but that we, humans living today think, that may be traced back to a mass-suggestion can change to sustainable development to future two, spreading out from the industrialized countries. A as I called it my introduction. mass-suggestion transported by media, mass-media, news-papers and so on. And this suggestion is say- And now a few words to the role of religions in that ing in the core: ‘Individual happiness is guaranteed enterprise: I think that they can or they should play by ego-centric, self-focused, individualistic thinking a central role, because the majority of human beand behaving. It is guaranteed by striving for money, ings belong to one of the World’s Religions. And if for fame, and for good luxury.’ we ask: Are religious visions or principles compatible to the principles of sustainable development, I And I think as psychologist that the promise of that think, you agree, the answer is yes. None of the resuggestion is not true. You can observe even in in- ligions encourages or even requires the injustice dustrialized countries an increase in psychic and (unjust conditions) of many people living today. In physical illnesses. Can we have hope? That’s a big contrary: all religions – as far as I know them – more question. And I say: Yes! Based on my own scien- or less explicitly foster an ethical, just and respectful tific studies many colleagues and myself performed behaviour for us, for humans in contact with other

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humans or living beings. Therefore if the religions of the world find together, then I am sure, that this can contribute to solve the big problems of our world I mentioned in my introduction. The religions by doing that would meet the challenge to contribute to a good future for our planet and they would take a great chance for respectful collaboration between the people of the world. Dear ladies and gentlemen, let me conclude with 3 ideas: 1. Idea: the evolution will continue with or without humans and that means with or without religions.

2. Idea: The evolution today takes place within us, within our hearts, within our minds 3. Let us begin with ourselves. If everybody of us sitting here today contributes a small part to sustainable future according to the circumstances of his own life and his country, then we will have a real chance for a good future. I wish that the congress will contribute to such a good future and I am convinced that we are on a good way to do it and I thank you for your attention and your patience.

Peace in the World Dr Martin Almada, Human Rights activist; Paraguay Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for your invitation and my congratulations for your very important work here in Kirpal Sagar. I learned a lot and I am proud of you. Today I want to share with you my experience… in Latin America regarding human rights and ecology.

I come from South America, Paraguay – a small country with a big dream. My country, like all dependent countries of the third world, suffers daily from social and economic injustice. Although Paraguay has the highest production of electricity in the world per inhabitant, the poor are still cooking with wood, destructing daily the environment. Every day the multinational companies are destroying our land, our rivers, and also are contaminating the air which we are breathing. What we urgently need is to counteract the wild and criminal deforestation to avoid the global warming which leads us to a collective suicide. We need to return to the milllennial culture of spirituality. We urgently need to approach again our historical roots like Mahatma Gandhi did, Mahatma Gandhi, who is known as a great thinker and politician who helped India to attain independence by the means of non-violence. But Ghandi is much more than that. He was also a great protector of the environment. We need to readopt the ideas of Gandhi of truth and love. Latin America is a catholic country. The mission of the Catholic Church is that of justice, not of charity: to strengthen and rescue the old cultures with their soul which is religion.

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The earth is in danger and therefore the humanity is in danger. This affirmation of the scientists which cannot be discussed any more and which takes up more and more space in the political media has a direct consequence: the decisions which are adopted by governments and by the civil society which is represented in many sectors The indigenous conception of the ‘Pacha Mama’ (mother earth), the most deep and ancient roots of protection and defence of the environment, has to be revalued fighting against the climate change with collective efforts.

The Spiritual State of the Planet Speech by Professor George Vithoulkas and Dr Judit Komaromi In this paper we examine the basic reasons for the world wide spiritual degeneration. We also explore the inner reasons for such a decline in the human condition. The possibility of a spiritual renaissance, a spiritual regeneration is postulated. In particular, we examine the role of medicine/homeopathy, religion/ spirituality in this possibility.

Peace in the world is an imperative necessity. It is time to readopt the way of Gandhi: We have to fight against injustice without violence. We have to return to the milllennial culture of spirituality to save the planet earth from global warming. My congratulations to Unity of Man for the organisation of this conference here, which aims at spiritual, social, cultural and educational growth. I promise you to bring to Latin America the flame of love which was kindled here in Kirpal Sagar. Thank you.

energy, is a sickness, a pathology, that creates war and hatred between peoples and nations; and separates us from the actualisation of our birth right, which is to be able to live in a safe environment that allows us to contact our ‘true self ’; to realise who we really are and what our real purpose is in life; which is living in unity, caring for each other in order to progress spiritually both individually and collectively.

The paper goes on to claim that this pathology is characterised primarily by two inner states or forces. Firstly, an excessive self interest creating a high degree of passion for material things like sex, money, Further we introduce the concepts of planetary con- acquisitions resulting in their relentless and insatiasciousness, the planetary subconscious, planetary ble accumulation and generating associated feelings hyperconsciousness and ultimately the planetary of envy, jealousy, hatred, fanaticism and separation. conscience in the context of arriving at and sustain- Secondly, a pathological egotism that drives extreme ing the possibility of spiritual regeneration. ambition for personal fulfilment without caring in anyway for the welfare of others. We discuss the dangers of how powerful groups of people, who understand how the strata of planetary- These forces imprison us and manifest in a profound consciousness are formed and function, manipulate need to control. The claim is made that these inner them and through this manipulation ultimately con- states and their resultant need to control are further trol the world, leading to either the possibility of de- achieved and perpetuated through the media and struction or, if wisdom prevails, regeneration. propaganda; and that this propaganda machine itself incites and augments the two aforementioned negaThis paper also looks at the quality of energy that tive qualities of the human race. drives this powerful group, and how it ensues from an insidious yet nevertheless deep psychic pathology We conclude that unless we collectively enter into a which is of a very low order; and how this low order higher state of consciousness, that is, freedom from

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sense, which only lends itself as a facade to big brother politics; nor through mainstream allopathic medicine; but by energy transformation through forces such as a sustained, disciplined spiritual path, which may well be a religious path but one that reverberates with the essence of divine qualities; and by “energy” healing modality such as homeopathy, acupuncture, osteopathy which have the power to remove this pathological, low order energy.

psion and egotism that this degeneration will spiral into a planetary catastrophe. The question is: can something be done to change the direction of such a destructive course? We believe that by transforming this low order energy, which cannot be achieved through politics which is in fact the perpetrator of such pathology; and neither through religion in the dogmatic /ritualistic/exoteric

As homeopaths, we can say that not only can this modality remove wrong energy but it can also open areas of the brain/mind continuum that make accessible emotional/spiritual realms that were previously dormant. Hence offering a clear pathway towards building wholeness and true health so that we may live eventually in a state of real freedom.

Tolerance and Forgiveness Mrs Vivi Akakpo, representative of Bishop Rev. Dandala, All Africa Conference of Churches; Kenya Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

Indeed we have come to the realization that all of us, despite seeming racial and religious divide and despite geographical distances between us, we are creatively woven by our loving Creator.

As such we should appreciate our common humanity I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the or- and promote mutuality between our communities ganizers of this conference for inviting my participa- and our nations. We should allow our common faith tion. I also wish to convey to you warm regards from in the power of conscience and the force of truth to the AACC General Secretary and our 173 member promote a leap of our human spirit. churches spread across 40 African countries. Our General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Dandala comes from In setting the tone for this conference, it was rightly stat- South Africa, nicknamed the Rainbow Country. That ed by the organizers that the human race is one family nickname is a constant reminder that the rainbow of at the level of soul and consciousness despite involve- life has a full spectrum of colours but South Africa ment in social evils and killings. Accordingly, it was must remain a united nation, keen to reach out to stated that there is hope through the spiritual link from each other despite the colour of a human skin to apman to man and nation to nation which should unite preciate the otherness of the other and our common us and find solutions to the problems of the world. humanity. This is crucial in view of their recent past

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history of apartheid. A great Russian poet, Tiutcheve exclaimed a century ago, “O, if only the wings of our souls flying over the mob could save us even for a moment from violence of immortal vulgarity.”

appreciate that the misery of wars and armed conflicts in any guise is inhuman.

No war can be justified. On the other hand most wars could have been avoided if a culture of tolerance and Could it be said a century later today that even our forgiveness was allowed to prevail. Wars not only rebellion against vulgarity is sometimes also vulgar take away lives and destroy property but also destroy such that the human race gets engaged in blood let- people spiritually, teaching them how to hate and kill. ting and killing spree as a way to achieve peace and The Rwandan genocide of 1994 was a case in point. inspire democracy (I want to mention here Iraq)? We are continuing to witness acts of intolerance in In our developing countries we endure the tyranny Somalia today where clans cannot tolerate clans and of poverty in a world of plenty. When shall we as a sub-clans fight sub-clans. This is despite the fact that human race learn that true happiness comes when they all belong to one ethnic group, speak one lanwe share with the poor including sharing the suffer- guage and share the same religion. This has gone on ings of the unhappy? since 1991. As a result, intolerance led to state collapse as it did elsewhere. It can be painful to others of course but it is much better to care for the screaming of another soul. In- Intolerance is a major cause of conflicts. It blinds deed it is said that a person’s degree of being civilized and can lead to political, economic, cultural and is defined by the sense of pain for others. religious oppression. As a result war erupts. People are at times made to suffer because of others’ power In this way, I believe, we can overcome then prevail- struggles as a result of intolerance. The consequences ing indifference to the horror inflicted on peoples are that survivors are left impoverished and maimed and countries in many parts of our world and equally physically and spiritually.

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The spotlight of the world is today on Darfur in Sudan where some 300,000 people have been killed and 700,000 people have been displaced within three years. This is all because of intolerance between two major races, the Arabs and Africans. What is not being said is that below the surface Darfur is rich in mineral resources including oil and uranium which attract outside influence and in turn stimulate the war. Tolerance would have been an important stepping stone to peace from Darfur to Myanmar (Burma). A culture of tolerance and forgiveness promotes reconciliation and in turn provides the best hope to healing wounds of past injustices while at the same time fosters individual and societal transformation. All our hopes in this millennium could be lost if we fail to embrace tolerance to each other. Without a culture of tolerance and forgiveness we will be unable to solve our global problems of war, poverty, misrule and abuse of human rights. Several scholars in Africa like Prof. Ali Mazrui in Kenya have, however, noted that Africans in general have ‘a culture of tolerance and a short memory of hate’ that makes them ‘people more sinned against than sinning’, people keener to forgive and forget. Not even apartheid and its monstrous indignities could push Africans to go beyond ‘truth and reconciliation’. That, I hope, illustrates the level of tolerance and forgiveness that can be found in Africa, and I am sure in the other parts of the world as well. Archbishop (Emeritus) Desmond Tutu, the postapartheid Chairman of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission wrote, ‘we have been humbled and deeply touched by the nobility and generosity of the spirit of those who despite so much pain and anguish have amazed the world by their willingness to forgive the perpetrators of all these dastardly deeds of darkness sponsored by apartheid.’ The same can be said of Sierra Leoneans who endured untold atrocities during their ten year civil war. Those whose limbs were painfully amputated by the rebels are today chatting together with those who amputated their limbs, bound by forgiveness and tolerance.

For over 20 years, the government of Uganda has been at war with northern Uganda rebel movement – the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). It is estimated that over 10,000 children were abducted by LRA some of who were turned into sex slaves and others were forced to be child soldiers. You can imagine the anguish of their parents. South Sudan, emerging from the ashes of destruction following a protracted war offered to host peace talks in Juba between LRA and Ugandan government. But there is hitch. Warrants of arrest have been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against five top leaders of LRA. However the surviving victims of LRA in northern Uganda and parents of child soldiers are opposed to the ICC move and would prefer that the LRA leaders and other combatants were returned home to them to go through the traditional practice of „cleansing“ blood off their hands towards eventual re-integration into their communities in a spirit of tolerance. To them, child soldiers who were turned into killing machines are still their children. Accordingly reports of LRA soldiers being killed cannot be celebrated but break their hearts. How is this explained? While other societies focus

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would dare jump over the belt even from a distance away if he hopes to raise a family some day. It is said that in the old days the two communities would go another step to ensure that ceasefire lasts as long as can be. Sons would be exchanged between families who have lost their sons and such sons would be given all the love including property inheritance. This action would in turn make it difficult for the communities to resume fighting as it could result in a worrier killing a biological father or uncle on the other side. Tolerance fosters formulation of appropriate development policies that put human beings at the very centre of development process which is both human and humane, a process that increases self-confidence and self-reliance and sustains needs of a society in an equitable and just manner. Such a society is bound to enjoy peace. on the individual at the expense of collective responsibilities and aspirations of a society, African communities seek ways of reconciling the individual with his/her community. It all starts when children are born. They become children of the entire clan not just the nuclear family. The whole clan has responsibility for the upbringing of the children. The child is no longer „my“ child but „our“ child.

Tolerance should be the backbone of our societies where we live with brothers and sisters from different religions. The respect of our differences be them religious lead to a peaceful coexistence and the acceptance of the other. It is becoming clearer that the world needs a reconstruction of values starting from the family to nations of the world. Such reconstruction of values should draw attention to tolerance, forgiveness, trust, human commonality, mutual responsibility to accountability for a peaceful unity of man.

Perhaps the most unique illustration of traditional practices in a class of its own is found in Northwestern Kenya. There, are two tribes, the Pokots and Marakwets. They share the same traditional culture and some 90 per cent of words spoken in their respec- I came to Kirpal Sagar yesterday late in the night, but tive languages are the same. They could be said to what I have seen so far shows that another world is posbe cousins. However cattle rustling between the two sible. Let us all work for that! communities can be fierce leading to massive deaths. Thank you. Cattle raids have not from time immemorial been considered as criminal but a cultural practice to raise cattle for dowry. But the weapons have changed from bow and arrow to AK 47 rifles. To effect a ceasefire between them, the role of women in society comes to play. Women lay their belts across the path of warriors. Since belts are tied around the tummies, they are considered sacred, holding the „cage of the womb“ for continuity of human life. Accordingly no warrior

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Closing Address Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur, President of Unity of Man, India Dear Sangat We have just received the grace from the Almighty Power, from the congregation of the Saints of the highest order. With the help of this Amrit we have to learn to go the way of our life. We have just started the World Conference on Unity of Man. Sant Kirpal Singh said, “My whole life was to put everything into practice.” Dr Harbhajan Singh took this message from Master when he came at the banks of the Sutlej river (to Kirpal Sagar). This place was just a wilderness and Master said that while living in the jungle we have to take some time (for the soul) to withdraw. We have not to withdraw from others, but from our own mind and to be full of peace. For achieving this goal, we have heard the opinions of all the Maha Purushas, the Sants and Mahatmas gathered here today. This world is just an inn, it is not our home. The bird spends just one night resting on the tree, and thereafter it has to fly away - this not our home here. When Sant Kirpal Singh Ji came to this place, His farm was of nine hectare. Master, the dyer, coloured His perfect disciple in such a colour from the Ocean of Grace which can not be washed away. Only with a wink of His eyes Master advised His Gurmukh Dr Harbhajan Singh to make this farm prosper.

What we have to do? When Dr. Sahib started the work according to His instruction, he paved the way to develop this place. Each one of us has to go back one day. The waves of the ocean cannot be separated from the ocean. We regard the bubble of water separated from the water, but this is our own illusion, one day it will again mix with the water. When the Maha Purushas go back after having accomplished their work in the world, they again become one with the Almighty Power. When the soul leaves the body and crosses the ocean of life and reaches Khand Brahmand, it is asked by the Christpower, the Godpower, ‘What have you done in the world? What have you sown there?’ This is the reason why the Gurmukh always wants to know how to go within. Even if the Gurmukh sits among thousands of manmukhs (people affected by the mind), he still remains a Gurmukh. None can remove this colour. The Gurmukh said, ‘As long as I was in the world, I was the Light of the world. I have planted such a tree full of light in the world, and this light will shine forever.’ Bhaji’s message was, ‘My life is an open diary, it is a life of practice. I learned something, practised it throughout my life and followed this way all the time.’

This house is the house of salvation. When an awak- I am telling you two words of my Hazur: Today peoened soul has planted a tree shining with light, it al- ple coming from everywhere are assembled here, ways grows and gives fresh air. We are proud of that there is no corner left from where people have not Power. Whenever this Power is sitting on the dais, come, but who will get this Maha Ras, this Grace? the mind can not play any tricks. He is the Word per- Those who are sitting in this pandal (congregation). sonified Power, working through His attention and giving the essence of the Divine Nectar. All the Sants Master told, if you sit with Gurubhakti (devotion to and Mahatmas are sitting at His door to receive His the Masterpower) in Sahaj asana (quite detached and grace. in the right position for meditation) the grace comes

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Mrs Biji Surinder Kuar giving her speech

from the Assembly of the Saints. Guruseva is given to such a soul who has learned to sit in Sahaj asana and to put great efforts (Sahaj tap) in meditation. From those souls the Masterpower can take work for the Mission.

him Bhaji, means brother. Though he was one with Him, he did not want to have any position - he had understood the mystery of life.

I would like to say to all those sitting in the pandal, ‘Become the picture of him.’ You should live in such What is the purpose of our coming into the world? a way that others see his picture through your way We have come to change the old dress and put on the of living. We should become one. We are sitting here new dress which is coloured with His word, with His in different human forms, but actually we are all one, attention. we have many languages but one voice, we came in the same way and have to go back the same way. We As one Swami just told, ‘If you point with one fin- live at different places, but our true home is the same. ger at someone (you criticize him), three fingers will Those who got the spiritual colour of the inner way point at you!’ On the other hand, if you have some (parmarat) are just like a vessel full of Grace, hidden sign on your forehead, (means, if you have contact in the Ocean of Grace. When the soul has learned with the Masterpower), others will also feel some vi- to proceed on the inner path it can not live without bration. the fresh food from the Almighty Power. ‘Oh man, you are searching Him outside, but God is already Who can be the picture of Bhaji? Bhaji explained it residing in you. You have to go within and to get the in very deep words. He allowed us loveably to call contact with the God Power. There is no place where

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He is not’. These are the words of my Hazur. We have heard the words of all the Mahapurushas, but now I got the spiritual intoxication from above, from the plane of the Sant Jan (Congregation of the Saints) for which I was searching for a long time. He taught us how to swim in this intoxication. One can only learn to swim in the water, but not on the dry land.

used to say, ‘Kirpal Sagar is just like a mirror through which you can see my face.’ I am giving you his words just to refresh the memory of your friend whom you all loved and who did everything for you.

Once Sant Kirpal Singh Ji was holding His Satsang in Dehra Dun. Many sat in the pandal (tent), others were roaming outside and sitting in the canteen. He gave us a place in a boat which is always swim- Then Master said, “How long will you hear the voice ming in the Ocean of Grace. The love of God was so through this throat”? When we remember Him, great that we became one with His love. Bhaji said to we remember all the words which were spoken by me, “I give you into the hand of the good Sangat, the Hazur and Dr Sahib. When we come to such places, Sangat will take care of you. I am not in a so-called we should take these words just like a pure food and Sangat, not in the company of those who are not de- try to digest each and every word spoken by Him. veloped.” These words help our soul to come nearer to our goal, means, to go back to our true home. We are going to celebrate Bhaji’s birthday and we have no words to congratulate him. Before we speak Who is a Brahmin, a true Brahmin? (Brahmane) about his greatness, we should wash our face with One who is able to go to Brahmand; he must underrose water. stand the knowledge of Brahm. He should have this knowledge from within. We all have to attain the Actually we were not able to sit in such a Sangat, but same knowledge from within. Naam is the essence of Master’s grace made us to sit in such a Sangat together the internal knowledge. Naam is like a passport, an with the Sant Mahatmas today. He wove us into His identity card. What is needed? We have to work very garland – is it not His grace? These are the words of hard to see His form within. As long as we do not see my Hazur and Dr. Sahib. What my son spoke in the His form within, we can not be called Brahm Gyani, morning – from whom did he learn it? He learned it Maha Gyani. These were the words of my Hazur. from his father. Bhaji always taught his children that his purse is the purse of the Sangat. He earned his I have taken much time. I have much love for these money by hard work and only from his income he Swamis who gave us their own good ideas about the gave money to his children. teaching. Only one who knows about a diamond can recognize a diamond. If a diamond is lying in the dirt The Munis who went back in the morning said, ‘We it is hard to recognize it. will always pray for this Mission, twenty-four hours.’ One Muni told, “Please come to Delhi, I am ready I can not thank enough the Swamis who have spent to accompany you everywhere. We should bring their time to come to this place and to the Sangat; this Mission forward.” We are speaking the same many of them have travelled nights to reach over language, and there is no difference of opinion. We here for attending this Conference. should develop ourselves so that we become one with Him. We have not to teach anybody, we have to teach ourselves. We will only speak those words which are coming from within. We are not teaching you, we are rather cleaning our own heart. Whatever I am telling to all of you, I myself apply practically and only then I tell it to others. I am cleaning my own dirt from within. Dr Sahib

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The Common kitchen was working day and night to provide meals for the thousands of participants. In spite of much work Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur was even caring for the sustenance of the visitors.

Left and right: Some impressions of the kitchen

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Behind the scenes Some impressions during the World Conferene on Unity of Man

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Although much work was to be done, Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur made time for the visitors, to have a heart-to-heart talk with them:

house is open for everybody. He is only the one who sent us in the world and He is only the one who takes us back.

Sant Kirpal Singh’s Mission is very holy, very pure and we all have to sit under this shadow.

Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur speaking to Mrs Akakpo a guest from Africa: We could only give you our love so we don’t know how you feel here?

Sant Kirpal Singh was full of humility, He was in peace, He had prepared each and everything for us, He had prepared it from within and then He offered it to us outside and now we should make the best use of it. This house belongs to Him and He has given us the chance to see it and to help. So we should really have respect and some devotion for this place.

Mrs Akakpo: We felt this morning and yesterday that it is an unique experience for us to be here. The inner peace that we feel and also it’s a rare experience of tolerance and acceptance of one another. So we are very grateful to you all and God bless you and give you strength to continue your mission.

I only wish that each and everybody should have the Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur: Everybody feels peace here, taste of His divine nectar and He should always keep because it is the word of our Master that this place us near to His feet, He should not keep us even a lit- should be for all the humanity, of all the religions. tle far from Him, means He should always accept us. And it is your father’s home and you can come at any time you like. When you come into your own home He is the king of the whole humanity, He did not you never need any permission, so you come at any come for the rich ones or the poor ones, so this time whenever you like.

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10 December Session III Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, Founder-President Maharishi Bhrigu Foundation; India Shri Karunakara Shetty, Brahma Kumari, Chief of Multi Media; India Mahant Darshan Singh Tyagmoorti, President of Shad Darshan Sadhu Aivam Trust, Hardwar; India Mrs Farah Mahat El-Khoury, Union of Writers, Damaskus; Syria Swami Agnivesh, President of the World Council of Arya Samaj; India Maulana Mohammed Hamid, Ahmadiyya Community; India Rev Dr Dominic Emmanuel, SVD, Director Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi; India Rev Dr Marcus Braybrooke, President of the World Congress of Faiths; UK Swami Shantatmanandaji, Secretary of the Rama Krishna Mission; India Mr Vivek Coutinho, Focolare Movement; India Giani Dhanvir Ahmed Khadim, Ahmadiyya Community; India Sant Baba Prem Das Ji; India Dr A.K. Merchant, Trustee Bahai Temple, General Secretary of the Bahai Community; India Baba Bhupinder Singh, Tamil Nadu; India Maulana Hazro Rehiman, Mufti Sahib; India Mr Karamjit Singh, Chairman Unity of Man; India

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On midmorning, the Conference programme continued with Session III. In the beginning of the session, Benedictine monks and nuns sang prayers and hymns from different religions taking up the subject of peace. Thereafter, Swami Sushil Muni opened the session.

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„Unity of Man“ Damascus Mrs Farah Mahat El-Khoury, Union of Writers, Damaskus; Syria

long to the Orthodox Church. Damascus is the place where Saint Paul converted to Christianity and started to convey the message of Christ. Damascus, the garden of Islam, is the city I live in and come from. I live in the middle of mosques and churches. I wake up with call of the Muezzin, which resounds from so many minarets, followed by the sound of the bells and the liturgical hymns (of the Christians). So I live in a country where religious belief is an integral part of national history, of the past, the present everyday life, and I hope, of the future.

Dear auditors, please first of all allow me to express my homage for the great Dame Biji; and also my respect to the small children who carefully attended (and sang) about the great message of the great Dr Harbhajan Singh. Thank you.

I opened my eyes in one of those Arabic houses; it was the former residence of the French Embassy and situated in a quarter of Damascus where 90 % of the neighbours were Muslims. In this quarter (called “Kaimariyé”) I received the most beautiful impressions of my life. It is difficult, even impossible, for me to describe in these few minutes our life as Christian minority amongst a Muslim majority, nor the friendship and affection which dominate our relationship as neighbours. Still I want to mention the unforgettable doctor of our family, Dr. Hassid Bayazid, a believing Muslim wearing the Tarboosh (or Fez, a red felt hat in the shape of a truncated cone) and came to our house when he was called for medical advice or for examining a sick child. He called my mother “Ukthi” (my sister) and we welcomed him like a member of our family. When he was later replaced by Dr. Madani Ali al-Khiami, we confided in him the same way.

It is a pleasure and great honour for me to participate in the “World Conference on Unity of Man” and to be able to talk about the subject “the peaceful co-existence of three religions and several religious communities.” For my part, I feel honoured to be in Kirpal Sagar in India, the land of the ‘great soul’ Mahatma Gandhi, the patriot, philosopher and author of India’s autonomy, the champion of Indian nationalism and Another regular guest of our family was Dr. Ysaak man of reconciliation; not to mention the writer and Totah, a Jew, who was respected and loved by everypoet of mystical and patriotic inspiration Rabind- body. There was an unforgettable scene when he died: ranath Tagore, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in it was estimated that 4000 Syrians, in the majority 1913. How could one not be proud to be amongst you? Muslims and Christians, joined the funeral cortege through Damascus. It seemed to me that the whole Daily life in Damascus: Damascus, the oldest capital city of Damascus followed the convoy that day. in the world, is situated in heart of a region where the three monotheistic religions originated, and I want to close with an incident that happened in the comprises a unique mosaic of religious communi- same old quarter. When invited to a dinner at my ties: there are eleven Christian denominations and late father’s house, bishop Epiphane Zayed sang a it is the seat of three Patriarchates. Most of them be- liturgy in praise of the Holy Virgin: “All creatures re-

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joice over you: Hail, Mary full of grace…” In the calm of night, all the Muslim and Christian neighbours listened attentively to the beautiful hymn and the impressive voice of His Eminence and asked for the name of the „Sheik“ who was praising God… The liturgical hymns and Koranic tales merge - I could cite hundreds of examples.

help and encouragement. When there are Christian festivities, the religious services are broadcast on the Syrian radio and television in the same way as when there are Muslim festivities, including the sermons of the three patriarchs who reside in the capital, of the Protestant priests and the archbishops and the bishops at the head of the different churches in the muhafazats (provinces) of Syria. On such occasions, the Christian processions through the streets of the large cities are of a much larger scope than those organised in basically Christian European countries. I would also like to mention that the authorities of my country organise Christian cultural and religious events and art expositions, as e.g. the Symposium and Exposition of Syrian Icons organised by the Ministry of Tourism at the library of El-Assad in October 1987. Seventy Icons from the 17th and 18th century, from the schools of Aleppo, Jerusalem and others, were displayed.

I recall the school where I spent my childhood with the sisters of Besançon. There were members of all Christian denominations. The Orthodox school where we received our primary and secondary education ever had an ecumenical orientation. The teachers, staff and pupils belonged to all kinds of religions and communities. The Persiado brothers, two Jews, taught French at the same time as native French teachers who were delegated to our school by the French mandate. Respect and friendship were the dominant attitudes between Muslims, Christians and Jews. Nobody was ever discriminated. We used to apply the following motto: „Religion belongs to A second exposition was organised in the National God and the country belongs to all citizens.“ Museums of Damascus and Aleppo, from December 1999 to May 2000, showing 121 Icons from churches So in this way, in everyday life, there were no prob- and monasteries. In view of their inestimable vallems between Muslims and Christians, no discrimi- ue, these icons were guarded, protected and finally nation, a good neighbourhood, good relations, mu- handed over by the persons in charge and by divitual assistance, an enduring friendship. What about sions of the national guard. the present situation? First of all I have to make clear that the State of Syria is a secular state which never- A symposium on religious brotherhood organised by theless respects all religious faiths. the ministry of the Waqfs took place in the library El Assad, in which the Sheiks, Ulamas, the Grand Mufti Therefore, religion never served as a guide for the of Syria and the prelates of the churches participated. way the machinery of the state functions. The state Verses of the Koran and the Gospel were sung and acknowledged the equality of all religious communi- recited in the same opening session. A book containties before the law and the administration. ing all the speeches and lectures was published. No religion is theoretically or practically favoured or privileged to another. Every religious community has the right to develop without hindrances.

For about eight years, the Syrian state has been offering (and that is nothing new) a piece of land of 3000 m² to the two Christian communities, the Orthodox and the Catholic one, to build a church on it. This church, Saint Paul, is already being built, financed in advance by prominent families.

Syria is a tolerant country where everybody, every single human being, feels welcome and accepted, a land of asylum where Armenians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, the Syriacs from Madir and Diarbekir and all Cultural buildings are exempt from taxes and fees. those who were persecuted in certain surrounding Water, fuel and electricity are distributed freely to countries found shelter. The Syrian population has churches and mosques. It is the same for all the maalways received such refugees with much sympathy, terial and equipment used for places of worship.

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Nevertheless, the Sharia is an important source of legislation, but not exclusively. In Syria, every Christian practices his religious duties freely. The community authorities celebrate the baptism of their children, their marriages, and judge litigations between spouses. But as far as the law of succession is concerned, Christians have to obey Muslim law. This practice is said to go back to the beginnings of the Islam. The question of marriage gives rise to very delicate problems. Though the Muslim personal rights admit a marriage between a Muslim husband and a Christian wife and the authorities also celebrate such a marriage, even against the will of the Christian parents, the marriage between a Christian man and a Muslim woman is forbidden and therefore not acknowledged, even if it was celebrated on the basis of the civil law in a foreign country. I would like to give you some impressions of the great head of the Roman Catholic Church’s visit to Damascus from 5th to 8th May, 2001. H.H. wanted to close his world tour at Damascus and make his dream come true to pass through the Straight road [rue droite; decumanus] and follow the footsteps of St. Paul, whom H.H. considered as an example to follow. The qualities of H.H. are considerable and hard to number. He was a father to all kinds of children: the poor and the needy, the sick, the handicapped and orphans. He is a great man of forgiveness; who could ever forget his attitude towards the criminal who tried to assassinate him. No punishment! No penance, no judgement, nothing but forgiveness. H.H. John Paul II. was the first pope in the history of the Catholic Church to visit a mosque… and it was the Ummayad Mosque in Damascus. A few days’ visit to Damascus qualified as historic, unforgettably inscribed in the writings, the memory and the heart of the Syrian people and their country.

Grand Mufti of Syria, by the Sheiks and Ulamas of all Muslim communities, by the prelates of the different churches, by ministers, outstanding personalities and by the people, i.e. millions and millions followed and filmed the steps of H.H. John Paul II. on the way of St. Paul. They were present with their hearts and minds, and in front of the television screens. Dear auditory, I would like to inform you that a solemn mass was celebrated on the largest (abbasid) square of Damascus, presided by H.H. the pope, in which thousands of people of all colours and creeds participated. His Holiness John Paul II., endowed with superior qualities, a man of reconciliation between the peoples of the world, between the three monotheistic religions, a man of faith, peace, forgiveness and love, was welcomed in Syria with all possible and imaginable honours and with great respect. In this lecture, I think I have brought to light the everyday life and the relations between the different religious communities in Damascus. I hope this lecture has given you as clear an impression of this life together as possible. I thank you for the confidence you have placed in me when inviting me to this important conference. Especially I want to thank the chairmen and this venerable audience who was so kind to listen to me.

Finally, the memory of this important celebration will always remain in my mind. We are all here together in order to celebrate the 75th birth anniversary of the high spiritual leader Dr Harbhajan Singh, the founder-chairman of Kirpal Sagar, as well as the Silver Jubilee of this humanitarian project, centre of spiritual tolerance and brotherhood. We are also united to remember both Sant Kirpal Singh, founder-chairman of Unity of Man, and its president, her Holiness Surinder Kaur. Due to their efforts we have been able to live together through valuable and successful moments within the spirit of this conference. We hope to be able to meet again and are regularly From the landing of H.H.’s plane until his departure, trying to fulfil our commitment in realizing the hope he was welcomed and accompanied by His Excel- of Sant Kirpal Singh. Thank you. lence Dr. Bachar Al-Assad, the President of the Republic of Syria, by the three patriarchs of Antioch and the entire orient, by the Apostolic nuncio, by the

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Unity of mankind Swami Agnivesh, President of the World Council of Arya Samaj; India

headquarters in Washington D.C. and wanted me to critique the policies of the World Bank, I told him: ‘Look, your globalization is the globalization of the market forces and we do not agree with that. We belong to a spiritual movement where we think that we are all one family.’ What is the difference between a market and a family? Here is the more powerful one who can buy and purchase things and everything is commodified, whereas in a family other criteria are followed: The weakest in the family takes his or her share first and the brave in the family takes his or her share last. That is the beauty of a family.

I want to say ‘Bonjour’ to all our French delegates, I want to say ‘Guten Tag’ to all my German friends here, and I want to say ‘Asalam aleikum’ to all my Muslim friends here. The God of love, the God of truth, the God of compassion and the God of justice - whatever name you want to attribute, it is up to you, but God is one, that is what Sant Kirpal Singh Ji started His mission with to celebrate the oneness of God. Those who do not believe in Godhood, believe in compassion, (but) believe in non-violence - that is good enough. Because God is all truth, love, compassion and justice. And therefore let’s unite, all humanity should come under this banner to celebrate the oneness of humankind.

So let us celebrate the unity of humankind as one family. That family should be the guiding principle where the weak, the lowest, the lowliest of the low will get attention first. That should be the criteria. Mahatma Gandhi gave this criterion to the whole of humanity. Therefore we are celebrating today the power, the dignity of that person who has been left far behind, marginalised, voiceless. Inter-religious, international marriages: that is the way to bring about unity of humankind. Let hearts unite in love. That is the true love, true bond. The heart is the biggest temple, the most beautiful temple. Unity of humankind is a movement - the new movement which has been launched today here. Let us celebrate the launching of this great new movement, the humanity coming under one roof, coming under one family. And therefore, the first thing we need to shed is the caste-system. Caste-ism has to go. All hierarchies, all discriminations by birth have to go. We will not put up with this abominable, most abominable system of castes, we have to get rid of it. Secondly and most importantly: Racialism has to go. One may be born black, another one may be born white, but we cannot discriminate in the name of the colour of the skin.

The entire humanity is not just one, but one family. We are one family, and what is the beauty of a family? Today, in this age of globalization, they are talking about ‘global village’, they are also talking about internet and e-mail and all of that kind. But it is fully loaded with common share interest, with profit motives, with market forces. We do not fully agree with this consumership approach to the oneness of humanity, no. There is another dimension to There is perfect equity, equality and justice in the it. When the former president of the World Bank, Mr. creation. God does not discriminate, the sun does James Wolfensohn, invited me to the World Bank not discriminate, the air and the water do not dis-

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criminate between black and white, between the male child and the girl child, between the high caste and the low caste, therefore we don’t have the right to discriminate between man and man and woman and woman. Therefore let us celebrate the unity of whole of humankind; it is not just we come together and talk ‘goody goody’ about each other and then we depart, no. The world needs a massive big change. Religion should become a revolution.

So this is a revolution, a social revolution, a spiritual revolution. We have to bring about a revolution against the menace of dowry, where girls and women are being burned alive; 25000 women in India are being burned to death in the prime of their youth. We will not put up with this.

Children are the least prejudiced on earth, and therefore they are the future of our humankind.

In reality, we are one

I want to say that we have to get rid of alcoholism, we have to get rid of tobacco, we have to get rid of drugs. Our next programme of action should be to get rid of alcohol and liquor, fight against this liquor mafia, alcohol mafia; as long as these people continue, they are merchants of death. They want to destroy humanity in the peace, in the tranquillity of the family; the husband gets drunk and the first thing he does is beating up his wife. We have to get rid of it, and we have to fight against this menace. One more thing: Global warming is a big threat to our peace and prosperity. We have to oppose that paradigm of development, that development which is highly materialistic, which is devoid of spiritual values, and we have to set up a new paradigm, a spiritual paradigm of development. And if you want to befriend nature, if you really want to have friendship, relationship with nature, then we should have friendship with all those birds and animals and beasts – please, listen to this. We have to increasingly give up non-vegetarian food, and we have to increasingly adopt vegetarian ways of food. We don’t have to kill animals and birds and beasts.

(Continuation in Punjabi)

Rev. Dr Dominic Emmanuel, SVD, Director Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi; India Respectful greetings to all on stage, to everyone in the audience and to all my listeners. Our topic today is of great importance. ‘We should all be one, all mankind should be one, all humans should be one.’ In reality, we are one. Where did these differences come from? This is indeed a point to consider. Where have these differences come from? In my opinion, when Jesus Christ was born, angels had brought a message. It is said, angels were the messengers in heaven – “May God reign supreme in Heaven and may there be peace on Earth.”

In practice, it is said, “May the people with a good heart find peace.” – “Peace to people of good will.” I believe that in our cosmos, our universe, our world, this peace is disrupted due to the breakdown of goodwill, benevolence and positive and empowering intentions towards others. Whenever there is a shortage of these attributes, we become each other’s enemy. Kindly note, one key point that I would like One last thing I would like to say: Coincidentally to- to make is – all our honourable speakers have said, day, 10 December, is also the International Human “Unity of man”, and that we have to come together Rights Day. On 10 of December we are all assembled for this unity – a question to all of you. Can we truly here. Today is also the great martyrdom day of Guru become ‘of one mind’? Let me explain this first and Teg Bahadur. (He sacrificed his life to save the Hin- then I will pose this question to you again. dus from being converted by force at the time of the Moghuls.) Swami Agnivesh has, very nicely, used the example of a family to represent mankind and all of us as mem-

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bers of the same family. However, it is noteworthy that every child in a family is different. The children’s names are different, gender is different, personalities are different. One is bright and does well in school while another is not. One walks with a fast gait while the other is slow. You will find that all parents will notice while the children are growing up, one has a quick temper while another has a calm temperament. Isn’t that true? Yes it is. A brother is very sharp and intellectual or a sister is very hard-working and good at housework or is intellectual, but the sibling is quite the opposite. Even though they are part of the same family, they have individual differences. We must always keep this in mind. Now, if we expand our vision from the family to the society, we see again that everyone is different. Everyone speaks a different language. For example, everyone here speaks Punjabi, while I cannot. My brethren from Austria, Germany speak German which we are unable to understand. This is a fact!

not referring to unity of language. Neither are we If you go from Punjab to Rajasthan, the native tongue talking about unity of religion. We are not asking for there is Marwadi. If you continue to the next state, similar children who go to the same school, obtain Gujarat, you will find natives speaking Gujarati. A the same education and degrees, or that all should gujarati (native) doesn’t understand Marwadi (lan- become doctors or engineers or farmers. No, no, no. guage) and a punjabi (native) doesn’t understand gujarati (language). If you go to Orissa, Oriya is the lan- Everyone is an individual and we have to proceed guage there, in Madras (Chennai), it is Tamil! Voila, with that as the basis. Only then can we talk about within India itself, there are numerous languages. the unity of man. This is a very important point to be Then, is it really possible for us to come together as recognized and noted – we are different and in spite one? What do you think? Can we all forget our own of these differences we can come together as one. native languages – Tamil, Oriya, Malayalam, Punjabi, etc – and speak one universal language? If so, what What could the foundation for this unity be? How could that language possibly be? and on what basis can this unity be realized, if not by language or religion or gender? What can this be As you can see, this is a problem! And this is also a based upon? The fundamental principles that Chrisreality, a truth and when we say “Unity of Man” or tianity is recognized by, are the following two conspeak about the “Unity of Man – World Conference”, cepts. we must not forget that we are different members of the same family; people of the same society with dif- Love thy neighbour as you would love yourself. Love ferent ideologies; citizens of the same country with your neighbour even if he speaks a different language different religions and the existence of these differ- or has different food culture or has a different skin colences among ourselves is an actuality, an inescapable our. fact. Then, when we talk about unity of man, we are

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If you were to love your neighbour as much as you love yourself; if you could respect others as much as you respect yourself and as much as you would like others to respect you, then, unity in our country or our society is but inevitable!

to turn towards our neighbour with love in our heart and our actions, then, I am convinced that we would not require these kinds of World Conferences as we are having today. This talk about unity of man would then become completely unnecessary.

Another important concept that Christianity has spread: Jesus said when you depart from this earth and want to enter heaven, in other words, when your life on earth ends and you want to enter the next world – since we believe that life doesn’t end here, eternal life is given by God – He had but one condition, a simple one as that, ‘You may enter only if, during your lifetime, you quenched my thirst when I was thirsty; you fed me when I was hungry; you took care of me when I was ill; you came to meet me when I was in jail.’

My apologies, sir, that I am saying this. We are meeting here in 2007 and we had also met at the earlier Unity of Man – World Conference in 1994. And we are currently planning the next conference in 2017 somewhere else in the world. But why? Why should we have a conference? Why do we need a conference? If we treat our fellow humans, who are different from us, who are weaker, who are hungry or naked or in jail, as one of our own, then and only then, will this unity be possible. If we were to treat them just as we would treat someone very dear to us, someone who is ours!

Upon hearing this, people ask Him, “When did we see You hungry, we always worshipped you in the temple/mosque/gurudwara/Kirpal Sagar. When did we see You hungry? You cannot be hungry, You are God, You are everything. When were You naked? When did we give You clothes? When did You go to jail? How can You commit any wrongdoing? You are God! No, no, you are wrong.”

I am often surprised when I see our political leaders attempting to cover-up their children’s crimes of shooting, theft, corruption etc. Even in the case of very honest, scrupulous and law-abiding parents, no stone is left unturned in order to save their children from punishment. This is due to the love for their own kin. How can the parents turn against their own children? They cannot. And, they should not.

God turns to them and says, “Whenever you saw a person hungry, thirsty, sick, naked or in jail, when- This is exactly what I am saying as well. Do not strive ever you did a small deed to help, you did it for me.” to help just your kin, just your criminal son, instead, help every human who needs it. Reach out and help My dear brothers and sisters, we can talk indefinitely every human who is hungry, who is poor, naked, about the unity of man in very pleasing, flattering homeless, in jail or ill. If we are able to take this acand promising words. However, please remember tion, I can guarantee that this unity of man will be that in order to bring about this unity within man- achieved automatically. kind, the root cause – inequality among men. When we cannot go towards a poor person and extend help It is my humble prayer to God that, all of us should and instead turn away, how can we hope to achieve understand that differences in language, family, food, this unity? attire, skin colour will always exist and they cannot be negated or removed. It is not even necessary to do I am of the opinion that if we are to bring about this so. However, these dissimilarities and inequality can unity in our society, it should be of the kind that can be overcome if we have as much love towards others surpass all these differences and inequalities. (As Swa- as we have for ourselves. If we can help the poor, the mi Agnivesh and others have said, differences of race, homeless, the sick and the criminals of the world, we caste, creed, economic, gender, social standing, etc.). will definitely become united. If we were to accept these differences and if we were

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Thank you.

Spirituality and Social Action Rev Dr Marcus Braybrooke, President of the World Congress of Faiths; UK Sat Sri Akal! My respectful greetings to all on the platform and also to the very patient audience.

monk does not want to renounce, except what is plainly sinful or negative; rather he wishes to transform all things.’ (1) Words of Wayne Teasdale, of blessed memory, who explained why he chose to be ‘a monk in the world’ also seem to be appropriate. ‘I want to identify with and be identified with all those who suffer alone in the world, who are abandoned, homeless, unwanted, unknown and unloved.’

I am very glad at last to visit Kirpal Sagar. I have heard so much about it. May I first pay tribute to the memory of Sant Kirpal Singh and Dr. Harbhajan Singh and affirm their emphasis on the unity of all religions and the unity of all people. The World Congress of Faiths which I have been a member for 40 years has also emphasized the fellowship of the faithful and promotes the moral values shared by all religions. In the village where I grew up, most of the rector’s sermons were about the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. I think the rector must have been an unwitting disciple of Sant Kirpal Singh. Certainly those phrases sum up for me much of the teaching of Jesus. The World Congress of Faiths, to which I have belonged for over forty years exists to encourage a fellowship of the faithful from all religions and to promote the moral values shared by all religions. Sant Kirpal Singh insisted that God-knowledge and self-knowledge must issue in devoted selfless service of others. Likewise Dr Harbhajan Singh, ‘God’s doctor’, showed a deep concern for the suffering. He also distanced himself from fashionable ‘gurus’ who were at that time invading the West and instead met with politicians and people of many disciplines recognising that spirituality should permeate all aspects of life. Several modern spiritual teachers have insisted that meditation and social action are interdependent and that is the subject on which I wish to concentrate. I want first to share what some of them have said. I then want to suggest how our meditation can energise our search for justice, reconciliation, care for the suffering, and respect for our planet. Recently I came across this quotation from Raimon Panikkar, which seems appropriate: ‘The modern

Holy people, traditionally, have withdrawn from the world in their search for the Divine. In recent years, a new pattern of spirituality, which draws inspiration from all the great faiths, has emerged in which the pursuit of holiness takes place in the midst of a nonviolent struggle for peace and justice and in the service of the poor. Mahatma Gandhi said once that ‘If I could find God in a Himalayan cave, I would proceed there at once, but I can only find him in the service of the poor.’ (3) Maha Ghosananda, a Buddhist leader, came back from a monastic life in exile to help his people of Cambodia in their agony. ‘We Buddhists’, he said, ‘must find courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to the Buddha, Christ or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos and the battle fields will then become our temples.’ In a similar way, the Dalai Lama has written, ‘My call for a spiritual revolution is not a call for a religious revolution. Nor is it a reference to a way of life that is somehow otherworldly… Rather it is a call for a radical re-orientation away from our habitual preoccupation with self towards concern for the wider community of beings with whom we are connected.’

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I could add many other witnesses. It is significant that arranged by the United Nations Association, at the many of those in the twentieth century who will have height of the Cold War, at which the question was the lasting influence were people of deep spirituality asked, ‘What have religions to offer?’ and the then – Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Des- Archbishop Robert Runcie replied, ‘Hope.’ Because mond Tutu, the Dalai Lama. Their inspiration will be – to use theistic language – we believe this is God’s remembered when only historians recall Chairman world for which God has a purpose, we believe that Mao or Stalin and other tyrants. in the end truth, goodness and justice are stronger than falsehood, hatred and oppression. As Gandhi How to balance spirituality or to use today’s title said, ‘I can see that in the midst of death life persists, ‘meditation’ and social action is something we each in the midst of untruth truth persists, in the midst need to work out for ourselves. For some their most of darkness light persists.’ ‘Lead us from despair to effective witness is by their withdrawal which gives hope.’ them the insight to see through the assumptions of a greedy society. As Thomas Merton said in a paper As we our still, we may not only catch a glimpse of given in Bangkok on the day of his death, ‘The monk God’s purposes for the world but also feel a oneis essentially someone who takes a critical attitude ness with the divine and all living beings. As Francis towards the contemporary world and its structures.’ Younghusband said of his mystical experience dur(6) It may also be that the mystic has clearer eyes ing the Welsh Revival in the early years of the twentiwith which to see the deceit and corruption of so- eth century, ‘I felt as if I were in love with every man ciety. Fr Alfred Delp, a Jesuit who was imprisoned and woman in the world.’ That experience inspires in Nazi Germany, believed like Merton that solitude compassion and forgiveness. was a vital pre-requisite for the awakening of the social conscience. He said, ‘Great issues affecting man- The Tibetan Buddhist practice of tonglen (Tibetan kind have to be decided in the wilderness, in unin- for ‘giving and taking’) is a good way to develop comterrupted isolation and unbroken silence. They hold passion. First, you focus on a suffering individual or a meaning and a blessing, these great, silent, empty group. Breathe in deeply and feel yourself drawing spaces that bring a man face to face with reality.’ (7) in all their emotional pain, right into your heart, Those who are called to engage actively in the world making their grief your own. Then, as you breathe need an inner detachment, which spiritual exercises out, send love, warmth, kindness and compassion to help to develop. Otherwise they will exhaust them- people who are suffering – replacing – in the hope selves and experience ‘compassion-fatigue.’ that their fear and pain will be replaced by courage and some acceptance. [There are similar practices in How is it then that our times of withdrawal equip other faith traditions, but the Bodhissatva’s vow can us for life in the world? When I was doing notes on be an inspiration for us all the authors of prayers which I included in my 1,000 World Prayers, I was at first surprised that so many May I become at all times, both now and forever, had spent time in prison – some had even been put A protector for those without protection, to death. But then I realized that those who see most A guide for those who have lost their way, vividly God’s will for the world will be the most criti- A ship for those with oceans to cross, cal of abuse and active in social reform. So, first, as A bridge for those with rivers to cross, we wait in the presence of the Holy, we gain a picture A sanctuary for those in danger, of the world ‘as God’s love would make it.’ Martin A lamp for those in need of light, Luther King, in those famous words, declared, ‘I have A place of refuge for those in need of shelter, and a a dream’ and if we have then we will feel impelled to servant to all those in need. try to realise it and to campaign for justice and for the ‘kingdom of God.’ But this is tough going and it The sense of oneness means that we recognise God’s is easy to give up. I remember attending a meeting, presence in the other, especially the deprived and

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marginalised. Jalal al-Din Rumi tells of the time when with those whose power, privilege and insensitivity God rebuked Moses, saying, ‘I am God, I fell sick; but are largely responsible for the social ills.’ (9) Gandhi you did not come.’ Moses asked God to explain. God also asked, ‘How is one to treat alike insulting, insaid again, ‘Why didn’t you kindly ask after me when solent, and corrupt officials, co-workers of yesterday I was sick.’ Moses answered, ‘O Lord, you are never raising meaningless opposition and people who have ill. I don’t understand: explain the meaning of these always been good to one?’ words.’ God said, ‘Yes, a favourite and chosen slave of mine fell sick. I am he. Consider well: his infirmity, This sense of oneness also makes forgiveness possihis sickness is my sickness.’ [This is reminiscent of ble. Once you can begin to think of the other not as Jesus’ parable of the Sheep and the Goats. The right- ‘the enemy’ or as a ‘terrorist’, but as a person, your eous are surprised when the king says to them ‘I was feelings change. [An Israeli soldier has said how his hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a whole outlook was changed when he had to search drink; I was a stranger and your received me in your the body of an Arab who had been shot. In his inside homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and pocket there were pictures of the dead man’s wife and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.’ children who were much the same age as the soldier’s Then the king explains, ‘I tell you, whenever you did own son and daughter.] Daisaku Ikeda, the President this for one of the least important of these brothers of Soka Gakkai International, tells how deeply he of mine, you did it for me.’ was affected by his mother’s example. Soon after she had been told that her eldest son had been killed in But as Howard Thurman has said, ‘It is much easier action in Burma, an American pilot parachuted to within the context of mystical piety to identify with earth near their house. Japanese soldiers seized him the sufferer, the hungry, the poor, the neglected, than and began to beat him and kick him. Daisaka’s moth-

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er protested, saying, ‘Think how worried the American’s mother must be about her son.’

origin, our nourishment, our support, our guide. Our spirituality itself is Earth-derived.’

If the sense of oneness inspires empathy with other people, the experience of the Divine transcends all our dogmas and doctrines. This is the true basis for ‘a fellowship of faiths.’ Kathleen de Beaumont, one of the ‘wise women’ of the Congress when I joined it over forty years ago, said, ‘We believe that, in the Great Unity, we are members one of another.’

Perhaps it is only as we recognise our inter-connectedness with all life that we shall find a vision to motivate us to seek a new world order. Pictures of the earth taken from space have provided such a vision for some people and have been called a symbol for our age. Astronauts David Brown and Kalpana Chawla, who both died in the Columbia spacecraft disaster, spoke of the magical beauty of our planet as seen from space. ‘If I’d been born in space,’ David Brown said, ‘I would desire to visit beautiful Earth more than I ever yearned to visit space. It’s a wonderful planet.’ Kalpana Chawla said, ‘The first view of Earth is magical… in such a small planet, with such a small ribbon of life, so much goes on. You get the feeling that I need to work extraordinarily hard along with other human beings to respect that.’

Those who have had such an experience find it more convincing than the claims that one religion has a monopoly of truth, even if some scriptures suggest that this is the case. By what name shall I call upon you, who are beyond all name! You, the Beyond-all, what name shall I give you? All names are given to you and yet none can comprehend you. How shall I name you then, O you, the Beyond-all name?

It is significant that like those who have explored outer space, mystics – people of deep prayer and meditation – who have explored inner space proclaim the same The Church Father Gregory of Nazianzus (329-89) message of unity. The French Jesuit and palaeontoloand many mystics who claim to have experienced gist Teilhard de Chardin said, ‘I live at the heart of a the holiness and presence of God agree that language single, unique Element, the Centre of the Universe, fails them to describe the Holy One – even if many of and present in each part of it; personal Love and costhem have written at length. mic Power.’ (17) The environmentalist, Jane Goodall, has written, ‘We are moving toward the ultimate desFinally, our sense of oneness deepens our concern for tiny of our species – a state of compassion and love.’ the natural world – for the welfare of animals and the protection of the planet. Father Thomas Berry, a lead- As we wait in prayer and meditation, we may be aware ing environmental theologian, insists that religions of the dawn of a new era. But I do not think it is inhave to recognise that ‘the universe is now experi- evitable, which is why if we have glimpsed its possibilenced as an irreversible time-developmental process… ity we have a responsibility to allow ourselves to be Not so much a cosmos as a cosmogenesis.’ (13) This used for its realization. Meditation and Social Action implies that human beings are co-creators with God. go together. As Mairead Maguire, the Irish Nobel For weal or woe, the future is in human hands. ‘The Peace Prize Winner, has said, ‘Dream the impossifirst great contribution this new perspective makes to ble, then so live that the dream is fulfilled’ or as an religious consciousness’, writes Father Berry, ‘is the Indian child put it more succinctly, ‘Dream and Sweat.’ sense of participating in the creation process itself. We bear within us the impress of every transformation through which the universe and the planet have passed.’ (14) This also means that human beings have to see themselves as part of the earth community and recognise that all life is bound together. Fr. Thomas Berry has written ‘We are earthlings. The Earth is our

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What future for a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society? Mr Coutinho, Focolare Movement, India Respected Mrs Surinder Kaur, respected religious and spiritual leaders, and dear brothers and sisters, It is indeed a special privilege and a great joy for me to be present at this World Conference on Unity of Man. I also bring you the greetings and good wishes of Mrs Chiara Lubich, the Founder and President of the Focolare Movement. Though she is unable to be present here today due to frail health, she is very much united with us in spirit. The presentation I am going to make is based on an address given by Chiara Lubich at the Westminster Central Hall in London in June 2004 entitled “What future for a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious society?” India is a land that is the birthplace of major world religions namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. At the same time it is also home to other world religions like Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism. It is common place to see places of worship of different religions next to each other In recent years, the migration of waves of people is having a profound impact on European societies too, bringing an ever greater diversity to their cities. Walking down the streets of many principal cities, we note the presence of mosques and temples in countries which, until a short while ago, were almost exclusively Christian. At the same time, the communications media bring people and nations located across the globe close to one another. What takes place in one part of the world can have a decisive impact on the rest. No one is “foreign” to us any longer because we “see” people, because we know about them. Furthermore, economic and financial globalization has woven together all our interests. They are no longer separated from one another. Many problems are of interest to humanity as a whole; problems which no nation can face in isolation from all the others. In a word, we live in a world that has truly

become, as people say, “a global village”: a new and complex village. This situation opens up opportunities for knowledge and development previously unknown, even though fears, indifference and intolerance remain especially due to the ever imminent danger of terrorism.

In the face of today’s situation of social upheavals, we could consider it not as the end of our world but as the birth of a new world. This was the vision of a great saint of the Church from the fifth century, Augustine of Hippo, that came from the faith and conviction that God is not absent from history. Rather, God’s love directs everything towards good. The Focolare Movement is an international movement, which is inspired by the message of Jesus in the bible, and works for unity in all spheres of life. It is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious Movement present in 182 nations of the world. For over sixty years it has drawn together, like a real family, people of all Christian traditions and from many of the world’s religions, as well as people with no formal faith, who share the aim of building a more united world. Chiara Lubich has received a number of recognitions from international organizations, universities, and public bodies for her and the Movement’s contribution towards peace and unity among peoples, religions, and cultures. To name a few, the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion in 1977, the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education in 1996, the Eu-

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ropean Council’s Human Rights Prize in 1998, the Defender of Peace Prize given by Hindu Movements of Gandhian inspiration at Coimbatore in 2001.

other as brothers and sisters, to care for and love one another.

Consequently, our spirituality urges us to love, to live in conformity with the love present in the depths of every human heart. It is a love that proceeds from the “Golden Rule” which is common to all religions. The Mahabharata says, “This is the sum of duty: Do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you” (5:1517). In the Guru Granth Sahib we read, “I am a stranger to no one and no one is a stranger to What does this spirituality teach with regard to rela- me. Indeed, I am a friend to all” (p.1299). In the Gostionships among people of different races, cultures pel Jesus teaches, “Do to others whatever you would and religions? What is the truly inspired attitude it have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets” suggests in order to build fraternity among all? (Mt. 7,12). Mahavira says that, “One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated”, First of all, this spirituality is based on an under- (Sutrakritanga 1.11.33). Zoroastrianism teaches, “Do standing, for those who have faith, that God is a God not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself ” of Love, a Father. How could we consider unity and (Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29). fraternity in society and in the world without a vision of humanity as one family? And how can we un- For people who have no formal faith, love can mean derstand this, unless there is one Father of all? philanthropy, solidarity, non-violence.

The Movement’s ability to gather in unity people who are so different lies in the spirituality that animates it. It is a “spirituality of communion”, which is both personal and collective, and which generates a new lifestyle. It is a spirituality that offers a way to go to God through and with our neighbour.

Therefore, this spirituality calls us to open our hearts This love for our neighbour, which is inspired and to God, who is a Father, who certainly does not aban- rooted in the love of God, has certain qualities that don his children to their own destiny but who desires distinguish it from a simply human love. to accompany them, to protect them and help them. God alone, who created them, is able to embrace and This way of loving requires us to love everyone: peounite everyone. ple who are pleasant or unpleasant; beautiful or ugly; fellow-citizen or foreigner; those belonging to my To believe in his love is the first inspiration of this culture or to another, to my religion or to another, new spirituality: to believe that we are personally and friend or enemy. Also God, the heavenly Father, immensely loved by God. He knows each one inti- loves everyone by sending rain and sun on the good mately and cares for each one personally. The Gospel and the bad. says that he counts even the hairs of our head (Lk 12,7), and the Quran says: “We are closer to him than Buddha taught boundless compassion for all living beour jugular vein.” (50:16). Therefore, God will not ings without discrimination and he told his first discileave the renewal of society to our efforts alone, but ples to “work for the wellbeing and happiness of many, will take an active role. moved by compassion for the world, for the wellbeing (…) of human beings.” (1) A very beautiful image Obviously, however, it is not enough to believe in the is used in the Hindu tradition for describing love for love of God, not enough to have chosen him as one’s enemies, “While the axe chops the sandalwood, it in Ideal. The Father’s presence and loving care calls turn offers its virtue by scenting the axe with its fraeach person to be a true daughter or son, loving the grance.” (2) This love towards everyone is very fruitful. Father in return and living, day by day, according to It is the experience of many that it would be enough God’s loving plan for each one. And we know that to live this one quality of love in order to bring about a a father’s first desire is for his children to treat each total change in the society around us.

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This way of loving also requires us to be first in loving, without expecting the other person to love us. It begins first, it always takes the initiative. It is a love that is ready to make sacrifices for the other. It is a love that makes us consider the other person as ourselves. Gandhiji used to say, ”You and I are one and the same thing. I cannot hurt you without harming myself.” It is a love that is not made up only of words or feelings; it is a practical love. It requires that we “make ourselves one” with others, that “we live the others” in a certain way, that we share their sufferings, their joys, in order to understand them, to serve and help them in an effective, practical way.

doing so we put ourselves in a position of learning and there is always something to learn. If we are motivated by this kind of love, the other person will be able to express him or herself because they feel accepted. Each person can give themselves because they find someone who listens. So then we become acquainted with the faith, culture, and terminology of the other. We enter their world and we are enriched. Our complete openness and acceptance then predisposes the other person to listen to us, and we can also share our faith and culture out of love for the other, as a gift. This attitude makes us grow in mutual knowledge, brings us closer together and enables us to contribute to making our multicultural societies become inter-cultural, that is, made up of cultures that are open to one another and in a profound dialogue of love with one another.

It is a matter of weeping with those who weep, rejoicing with those who rejoice. This is very important in so that we can establish a sincere, friendly dialogue The Focolare Movement have had many experiences with everyone. of this fruitful dialogue with people of the most varied cultures and also with large groups of believers “Dialogue” is a very relevant word today. It means of other religions. Precisely because of this practice that people meet together and even though they have of “making ourselves one”, and the friendship born different ideas, they speak with serenity and sincere from it, we consider them as Movements which love towards the other person in an effort to find are supportive of our own, and they know that our some kind of agreement that can clarify misunder- Movement is supportive of theirs. We have built up standings, calm disputes, resolve conflicts, and even substantial bonds of fraternity with them, like the eliminate hatred at times. This dialogue, especially Buddhists of the Rissho Kosei-kai which includes six among the faithful of different religions, is more million members, or the Muslims of the American than ever indispensable today if we want to avoid the Muslim Society, which numbers two million, and great evils threatening our societies. others. It has been written: “To know the other’s religion means putting yourself in the shoes of the other, seeing the world as he or she sees it, grasping what it means for the other to be Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu …” (4) This is not something simple. It demands that we empty ourselves completely, that we put aside our own ideas, our own affections, to put aside everything we would want to do, in order to identify with the other person. It is a matter of momentarily putting aside what we have and what is most precious to us: our own faith, our own convictions, in order to be “nothing” in front of the other person, a „nothingness of love“. By

Real, true fraternity is, in fact, the fruit of a love that is capable of making itself dialogue, relationship, that is a love which, far from arrogantly closing itself within its own boundaries, opens itself towards others and collaborates with all people of good will in order to build together unity and peace in the world. But can religions, also as a whole, be partners in the journey to peace? We all know how extremely important and relevant this question is today. Many interpret the spreading of terrorism, the wars waged in various parts of the world in response to this, the ongoing tensions in the Middle East as

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symptoms of a “clash of civilizations”. They say that it is marked and even intensified by the different religious allegiance. However, upon a closer examination of the facts, this viewpoint triggered by various forms of extremism and fanaticism which distort religions, proves to be very partial.

More equality is needed, more solidarity, especially a more equal sharing of goods. We know, though, that goods do not move by themselves, they cannot walk on their own. People’s hearts must be moved, hearts must be shared.

This is why we need to spread among as many people as possible, the idea and practice of fraternity, and – given the enormity of the problem – a universal Never so much as in our present day have believers fraternity. Brothers and sisters know how to look afand leaders of all religions felt the duty to work to- ter one another, they know how to help one another, gether for the common good of humanity. Organi- how to share what they have. zations such as the World Conference of Religions and Peace or initiatives such as the day of prayer for To meet this unprecedented challenge, the contribupeace in Assisi promoted by John Paul II in January tion of religions is decisive. of 2002, this Unity of Man World Conference initiated by Sant Kirpal Singh, are all a confirmation of Where else, if not in the great religious traditions this. could a strategy of fraternity begin, a strategy capable of marking a turning point even in international We know that the causes of terrorism are many, but relation? The enormous spiritual and moral resourcone of them, the deepest, is the unbearable suffering es of religions, the contribution of ideals, of aspiraof a world divided between rich and poor. This has tions to justice, of commitment to the needy, along produced and continues to produce resentment in with the political leverage of millions of believers, all people’s hearts, violence and revenge. springing from religious sentiments and channelled

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into the field of human relations, could undoubtedly be translated into actions that could have a positive influence on the international order.

logue among ourselves, that is, when we are open to the other in a dialogue of human kindness, mutual esteem, respect, mercy, we are also opening ourselves to God and, in the words of Pope John Paul II, “we allow God to be present in our midst.” This is the great effect of our mutual love and the hidden strength which gives vitality and success to our efforts to bring unity and universal fraternity everywhere.

Much is being done in the field of international solidarity by non-governmental organizations. What’s missing is for states in their own right to make political and economic choices which can build a worldwide community of peoples committed to bringing about justice. And what greater guarantee can there be than the presence of God? What greater help can there be for In the face of a strategy of death and hatred, the only those who want to be instruments of fraternity and valid response is to build peace in justice. But there peace? is no peace without fraternity. Only fraternity among individuals and peoples can guarantee a future where What future therefore for a multi-cultural, multi-eththere is peaceful coexistence. Besides, universal fra- nic and multi-religious society? A future where all ternity and the peace which follows from it are not people live as one family made up of brothers and new ideas that have emerged today. They have often sisters who love one another beneath the gaze of one been present in the minds of deeply spiritual persons Father. Or, for those who do not know God, a fambecause God’s plan for humanity is fraternity, and ily united in the name of that voice of truth which brotherly love is written in the heart of every human speaks out in every human conscience. being. Is it an utopia? No, it is God’s most heartfelt desire. If we “The golden rule”, said Mahatma Gandhi, “is to be love one another, we will necessarily stir up love around friends of the world and to consider the whole hu- us, and many people of different races, cultures and reliman family as one’.” gions will follow us. Then one day in the not-too-distant future, mutual love will be lived also among peoples. And Martin Luther King: “I have a dream that one Thank you. day all people will realize that they were created to live together as brothers and sisters and that fraternity will become the order of the day for business persons and the password for statesmen and women.“ Speech In spite of the destruction then, one great, age-old truth can emerge even from the rubble of terrorism: that all of us on earth are one great family. Dear friends, we know from experience that whoever wants to move the mountains of hate and violence in today’s world faces an enormous task. But what is beyond the strength of millions of separated, isolated individuals, becomes possible for those who make mutual love, understanding and unity the driving force of their lives. There is a reason, a secret key, and a name for all this. When we, of the most various religions, enter into dia-

Swami Shantatmananda, Secretary Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi, India Most honourable religious leaders present on the dias! The prize we have to pay for adopting this course is unity of humankind. Many of you here I am meeting for the first time. That is the sign of the kind of unity that is developing, the kind of thought process that is taking place in this country (refers to the speech of Father Dominic Emmanuel). It is not advisable to talk further, but some more

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words – One thing is: to make people more and more aware of this shortcoming in the society to project it (the message of unity) in a bigger way before a larger audience. It is such a huge forum to project these ideas, because people who take this message of unity, when they go back will again talk to the people who are near and dear to them or to the society where they live. That is how the message will spread faster and that is how we are able to usher in unity. A second thing: (If) in 2017 a million people would assemble on this very ground to proclaim to mankind that they have achieved unity of man(kind) – not to discuss that we have to do it – but to proclaim: We have achieved it. So that way probably a gathering in 2017 might be very fruitful and worth considering.

friendship. And if that is so, what is that what we are witnessing in the world today and what is the solution? Yes, in a positive way religions alone can usher in peace, love and unity in this world. In that sense religions have a wonderful positive role to play. But then, how do you unite people? Functioning under various banners, are we to do away with differences? Unsuccessfully Akbar attempted a kind of binding between Hindus and Muslims by taking some portions of Hinduism and some tenets of Islam and tried to start a new religion. It was a total failure. The beauty in this world is the unity in variety. The diversity is what gives charm to the earthly existence. Swami Vivekananda also started the World Parliament of Religions where he really set a tone for such kind of attempted harmony of religions. There he clearly said that a Christian has not to become a Hindu or a Buddhist, nor the Hindu or Buddhist should become a Christian. Each has to assimilate the better aspects of the other religion and grow in his own way. Soamiji gave us a beautiful example, he said, ‘You plant a seed somewhere and then you provide water, air, light and everything. That does not become air, water or light, but it assimilates all that and grows into a plant in its own way.’ So accordingly we have to take the best elements of maybe different religions, only then it is possible to usher in this kind of unity.

Now so many things are happening. We are already talking about global dimensions, and quite often religion is held for the cause of much of disharmony and disturbance, the evils in the society. But if we examine deeply, quite often that is not the case at all. For example, one of the great conflicts of recent times the war between Iraq and USA – certainly religion is not the cause, the reason is entirely different. So it is quite often: Religion is wrongly blamed for the wrong happenings in the society. Even if you examine in depths the conflict between different communities in India also, the communal disturbance or the disharmony between Hindus and Muslims, or whatever it is – if you go into the depths of such issues, quite often the There is also one more aspect: We cannot do away reasons are extremely flimsy – surface level happen- with traditions of thousands and thousands of years ings. of history. Mosques, temples, and churches did not come up the other day. They are there since the time And moreover, as recently seen, in Calcutta a Mus- of creation itself probably, and great things have lim author was condemned by Muslims. That led to a been achieved through these institutions. Humankind of riot between Hindus and Muslims. How can kind do need all those things today, I tell you. We you blame religion for that? cannot do away with all that, because religion is a dire necessity of man or humankind and people at So the problem is: Religion can hardly be blamed for various levels need different approaches to religion. such occurrences. The practices, some of the fringe You may be surprised, or you do not know, you may level observances of some religions might lead to remember that the revolution in Romania ushering such happenings, but religions by and large preach in democracy started in a church. So you cannot say only the greatest truths like harmony, peace, and that a church or a mosque or a temple is not neceswonderful co-existence in an atmosphere of love and sary or you can do away with that. We do need all

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that, but then: It is good to be born in a church but one should not die there. One has to transcend all that and go to a much higher level, if you are really to achieve that unity. Because at the lower levels where people are not that grown into mature personalities, (being) followers of their own religion, there will be this kind of differences. And also, if we really have to love our neighbour as ourselves – why should we do it at all? Why not make profit at the expense of our neighbour? Why not rob him? People often come and tell us, “Maharaj, people are doing so much black marketing, they take so high prices, they are doing so well. But we are followers of religion, we are suffering.” That is because you need some fundamental aspect to unite mankind. This is also what some other speakers have talked about: that is the core element of every religion. Every religion talks about the divinity of man. That is what Swami Vivekananda has put in a beautiful message for mankind, he said, ‘Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this divinity.’

about the grassroot-level-people, what about the masses? That is where the relevance lies of those who attended the conference today and of the religious leaders who sat on the dias (stage), that is where our responsibility lies. We should carry this message down below and tell each and everyone with whom we come in contact, “That is what we should achieve, that is how it can be achieved.”

So when we link ourselves to a higher ideal – suppose I feel, ‘I am divine, the other person is also divine’, then all these surface level differences, the difference in the colour of the skin, some being fat or lean or And finally, so many forums have discussed such tall or short, rich or poor, this caste or that caste, this messages. Why is it that it is not becoming that effecreligion or that religion – all these things would ap- tive? Yes, there is slowly created a greater and greater pear as surface level differences which might exist in awareness through such initiatives. But each religion the society. But deep within each person is divine, so needs such exalted personalities as a Christ or a Budthere is no fundamental difference at the core level dha, a Mohammed or a Rama Krishna or a Krishna of personality, so that can be the starting point for or a Rama or a Vivekananda. That kind of exalted uniting mankind as a whole. personalities alone can bring about a radical transformation. So we must have that kind of a fundamental idea that would help us to grow into a greater and greater fol- I know people, I have heard of people by authentic lowing of our own religion, and then we will be able records, in whose very presence all thoughts of hato unite with mankind as a whole. So when we func- tred or enemity vanish automatically. Each religion tion in the society, we have to remember this. – that is what it should attempt – is to go deep in their inner Sadhna, unless our life is backed by a tremenTwo small points I touch before I close: In such con- dous urge for a higher spiritual dimension, a higher ferences in an atmosphere of friendship, love, affec- life. Then and only then we will be able to really go tion, great kind of a fellow-feeling these things are into that kind of personalities, where all this appears extremely relevant and easy to talk about. What to be meaningful.

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Because many of the so-called social reforms, many of these social level reforms, are there. But these all will be taken care of in a total way, if people by and large adopt a different attitude towards life – a spiritual basis. Then and only then all these efforts in unity become really meaningful. Thank you.

Spirit of Unity and Fellowship

erful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth!“ Mention was made about the convergence – healthy convergence of the forces of science and technology on the one hand, and religion and spirituality on the other hand. And when you look at the past and the present, and what future holds for us, let us believe that peerless is that day – it is as the eye to past ages and centuries and as a light unto the darkness of times! I think that it is these spiritual forces that operate from the soil of India which give our country the strength.

And when we talk about that India will become a knowledge super-power, it is the spiritual knowledge and conviction that we are talking about. The science and technology aspect and the many other forms of Esteemed and distinguished leaders of religions, knowledge that have been generated, are an auxilguests, delegates, friends, well-wishers and organiz- iary, are an adjunct to the body of spiritual knowlers of the World Conference on Unity of Man, edge which gives us the strength to attract the whole world to the spirit of unity and fellowship. Time is limited, and all I wanted to say is, how happy I am to be part of this celebration. The world-fel- Thank you very much once again to Mataji (Mrs Biji lowship should be sharing this happiness that is be- Surinder Kaur), and to all who have organized this ing sent out from this blessed spot of Kirpal Sagar. I conference! know, since the time is limited, I have not been able to befittingly acknowledge the presence of the distinguished religious leaders – I have offered a prayer in Hindi – and I would like to conclude with another prayer for blessings of the Divine, for the blessings of the Almighty to be showered at this gathering and at this holy spot. Mr Ali K. Merchant, General-Secretary Bahai Community, India

It is a Bahai prayer, revealed by Baha Ullah: Blessed is the spot and the house, and the place and the city, and the heart and the mountain, and the refuge and the cave, and the valley and the land, and the sea and the island, and the meadow, where mention of God had been made and His praise glorified. So on behalf of the Bahai Community I wish you all well and bring lots of greetings, sharing your conviction as so powerful as Baha Ullah has said, “So pow-

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After this intense programme the atmosphere did not allow just to walk away. Biji invited all to make the circuit in Kirpal Sagar. The whole assembly followed her across the nocturnal park illuminated by thousands of tiny bulbs, passing by the Sarovar, where high above the shape of the Symbols were vaguely perceptible under the cloth. At the memo-

rial place of Dr Harbhajan Singh all stopped with reverence and then proceeded to the Chowk, where in this early morning hour Biji greeted the dawning day of 10 December, 2007 with a few words to all in her company. Finally all went to the langar-building, where a long night’s programme ended with jubilant songs.

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Inauguration of the Symbols The core of the Conference was the unveiling of the Symbols on top of the Sach Khand Bhawan, the central building in Kirpal Sagar in the midst of the beautiful lake, the Sarovar. Abiding by the outline given by Sant Kirpal Singh Himself, models of a Gurdawara, a Temple, a Church, and a Mosque, had been carefully constructed side by side. As He used to explain, their traditional shapes relate to the human head – Temples and Churches are dome-shaped, the towers of Christian churches look like the ascending nose, at the root of which the inner eye is located, and Mosques resemble the human forehead. Religions give message that man is able to attain God knowledge by ‘tapping’ inside. Saints, mystics, holy persons of all times, in East and West, got inner knowledge by way of deep contemplation and meditation. This is why the human body is called, ‘Temple of God’. The outer houses of worship made with stones and bricks are just symbols of the body, reminding us that human life is a golden opportunity to reach the highest goal: To be united with God. This is the privilege of all human beings, independent of caste, colour, and creed. It was the mission of Sant Kirpal Singh to bring this knowledge back to life and give a practical approach. The day of the inauguration of these Symbols had been eagerly expected. Twenty-five years had passed by since the first cut of the spade had started the work for the Sarovar at the time of Dr Harbhajan Singh. Among the audience there were many from East and West who had lent a hand for setting up Kirpal Sagar since the very begin of the Project. They were deeply moved to be present that day. Step by step they had been witnessing all plans taking shape under Dr. Harbhajan Singh and his wife, Biji Surinder Kaur. The inauguration of the Symbols was the crowning achievement of years of work on behalf of Sant Kirpal Singh.

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It was about 2:30 p. m. when Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur requested the participants to proceed to the Sarovar for the inauguration of the Symbols. All left the tent and marched in a procession to the Sarovar, headed by the religious representatives alongside of Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur.

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The words of Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur expressed her deep respect and reminded of the roots of Kirpal Sagar Dear children of the Master who came together for the truth, dear congregation of Sants. Since this morning we have got the colour which He gave us from the plane of the Saints. Today I go through (the lesson) which is written in the inner book.

even if problems will arise, it does not matter.” When (1973) Master came to the farm (today Kirpal Sagar), He consigned this gift also physically to us. Bhaji took up this duty and accomplished it with all his power. Whatever He told us at that time I have always been keeping in mind and today it came true.

Before my Gurudev Kirpal Singh bestowed on us this gift of the Ocean of Grace (Kirpal Sagar), He had done a lot of hardship (meditation) within for one year.

When Dr Harbhajan Singh laid the foundation stone for the Sach Khand Bhawan, he looked at the main gate, at the just started Sach Khand Bhawan, at the library, and behind, and spoke about the nine doors On February 6, He asked both of us, “Can you create and how the soul has to cross the tenth door. He is ala common platform for all the religions of the world ways present, had he not been with us, we would not according to the longing of each soul?” Bhaji replied, have been able to speak about his greatness since this “Yes, I will do.” Master looked at Bhaji and at me and morning. From his internal home he himself gave us again asked, “Can you do it?” Bhaji was a great work- the colour in which we all are dyed. er for Sant Kirpal Singh. He answered, “I am ready,

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It was his instruction given to the Sangat to construct the shining symbols which are now completed. They have been constructed with his grace, and it is up to the Sangat to make the best use thereof. It is a place of truth. As we cannot swim without water, the Godpower has filled His grace into the vessel which is in His ocean. We should dip into this ocean. The time for today’s inauguration of the Symbols was fixed by Him. From 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. we were remembering him, thereafter He has opened the door of His grace according to His wish, not according to our mind. His grace cannot be retained in a small receptacle, it is for the whole humanity. Today we are climbing the first step of the way to God. To climb these stairs we urgently need the help of a competent Sant, a true Master. With the help of Bhajan and Simran (meditation) we can attain the internal knowledge. Dr Sahib Ji has left us this place that we can attain this knowledge. Bhaji used to say, “Kirpal Sagar is my mirror, you can see my whole life in it.” I am telling these words to my children, to the family and the Sangat assembled here, I give you his message and it is up to you to take it seriously and live up to it. Whenever he went on Mission’s work he used to take the children and myself along and would say, ’We will live together and die together, then no-one will be there for weeping.’ My granddaughter sang this Shabad, she was brought up with the help of Dr Sahib, he gave her the food with his own hand. He always wished: ‘My children should serve in the Mission, they should clean the shoes of the Sangat’ – this was Bhaji’s wish. He had a simple way of living, but he has given his fragrance just like a flower gives fragrance to all of us. We are travelling on the way he prepared for all of us, together with the Rishis and Munis. As he laid the foundation stone of this place, in the same way, with the prayer of all religions, we have done it today. We have four corners, in each corner they did their prayer, their arti, their namaz etc. – that was the wish of Bhaji’s life. According to this we are proceeding.

To rise above we need the company of such Sants who help us to reach Sach Khand (spiritual plane). The Sants who are able to travel on this way will help us to rise above the mind. For this Master brought us together in the congregation of the Saints and opened the door of the Symbols. I pray that these Symbols may radiate the grace forever. The children were singing in the right way: ‘As long as the whole humanity exists we will always remember the Lord’. This power (Bhaji) did not live for himself, but for the whole humanity. After Master’s physical departure, Bhaji did each and everything to carry on His Mission, and he got so absorbed in the Mission that he often did not even know whether he had taken food or which class his children attended. When his children had already passed the examination he brought the books for that class. My both children sacrificed their childhood. We used to leave them alone while they were still asleep and when we came back they already slept again. One woman was employed to care for their food and whatever they needed, because we both were travelling for His mission. Personally I don’t have any problem, because I am in the hand of good Sangat. I still remember the uneven roads (problems) on which Bhaji used to travel. Today we do not have these problems in the Mission. We have a place for sleeping, for sitting, a room for living. (1982, coming to Kirpal Sagar) there was nothing to sit on nor a place for sleeping, we used to rest under a tree. Bhaji simply took four poles, put a sheet

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on it for shade and began the work. Now it is easy to work. Whose gift is it? It is the gift from Master and Bhaji. He is always with us. I cannot thank enough all the loveable people from everywhere, all the Sangat from the foreign countries as well as from here, and the management, they have brought forward the Mission with full energy and continue doing it. He has opened the door and His grace is working, it is now up to the Sangat to make the best use of it.

Parshad in form of sweets etc., but the inner Parshad (blessing) only He can give.’ We all should sit before His door and let Him distribute His own Parshad to all. Together with the Rishis and Munis present here, we all have come to the conviction that the grace that is pouring down now should flow to the whole world.

Today is a very blessed day. Day and night we just remembered Him. We ourselves can not give you anything, the Giver will give His grace to everybody. Yesterday one Swami Ji said, ‘We can give the outer

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Unveiling the Symbols At 3 p. m. the Inauguration of the Symbols took place. While on top of the building helpers started to remove the white cloths hiding the Symbols, four commemorative tablets near the door were unveiled

and several pigeons were set free as a sign of peace. From the top of the building rose-petals were showered down, and a small aeroplane was dropping tiny pink flyers welcoming all at Kirpal Sagar. The reli-

gious representatives walked around the building, and when they reached back to the bridge, all the cloths had been taken away from the Symbols. Uncovered, the Symbols were gloriously shining in spite

of the cloudy sky. It was an auspicious and in some way unbelievable moment.

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When the Symbols will have been inaugurated at the World Conference on Unity of Man, they will be radiating the message of unity. Biji Surinder Kaur

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Accompanied by the blowing of traditional horns and the singing and shouting of benedictions, all walked round the Sarovar, many forming a queue, marching hand in hand. At each of the corner buildings dedicated to the religions – Gurdawara, Church, Mosque, and Temple – all stopped for a prayer revering the only one God, the Father of all.

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This institution is for all human beings, no matter which country they may come from, this belongs to everyone. It is an international institution not only outwardly, but from the core of the heart, it belongs to all human beings. Dr Harbhajan Singh

Concluding Session Rev Thomas Singh; UK Mr Stadlmeyer, Chairman Unity of Man; Germany Mr Hössinger, Vice Chairman Unity of Man; Austria Mrs. Wahl, Vice Chairwoman Unity of Man; Germany Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur, President Unity of Man; India

The Trinity according to Sant Kirpal Singh and Saint Paul Speech by Rev Thomas B. Singh Good evening and welcome to tonight’s programme. Thank you for that wonderful introduction, I am from Luton, UK, and I think it would be a great pity if we did not stand at least for a minute in homage to Sant Kirpal Singh and Dr. Harbhajan Singh, so I would ask all of you to first stand on your feet just for one minute in silence. Living in Luton for 33 years – it is said that every culture has something good about it; all we need to do is to find that something good and adopt it into our lives. This is something that I have learnt over the years as a mark of respect from those who have gone on before us.

to values. Whenever philosophy has been taken seriously, it has always been assumed that it signified achieving a wisdom that would influence the conduct of life. And I as a theologian totally agree with this concept for the simple reason that after studying the works of different philosophers and theologians, if I may add their works, have always left me with a notion of something other than, of something higher, of something not being part of this creation as we know it. And it is that ‘something’ that influences our conduct of life. One great philosopher, Swami Vivekananda, whose mission in the last decade of the nineteenth century had been a national and an international one was a lover of mankind, he strove to promote peace and human brotherhood on the spiritual foundation of the vedanic oneness of existence and the Fatherhood of God.

A mystic of the highest order, Vivekananda had a Many great philosophers, anthropologists, theolo- direct and intuitive experience of reality. He derived gians, politicians and artists of a great caliber have his ideas from that unfailing source of wisdom. come and gone on before us. It is they who have carved a path for us through their wisdom and un- You know he even had the tendency to become, like derstanding which of course comes from God alone. his master, to soar above the world and forget itself The Psalmist writes, ‘O Lord how glorious are thy in contemplation of the Absolute. But fortunately, for works, Thy thoughts are very deep. An unwise man us another part of his personality bled at the sight of doth not well consider this and a fool doth not un- human suffering both in the East and West alike. It derstand it’. even appears as if his mind seldom found a point of rest in its oscillation between contemplation of God The greatest thing that we have is the gift of life and and service to man. Be that as it may, he chose in all the faculties that go with it - Man, know thyself. obedience to a higher call, service to man as his mission on earth: and it was this choice that endeared While some philosophers have laid emphasis on psy- him not only to people nationally but the world over. chological facts, others have given more importance A fine example to humanity: Man, know thyself:

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Non-violence isn’t a campaign, it’s a way of life. These are the words of the 20th century philosopher, the father of India, Mahatma Gandhi. For Gandhi, as some of you may know, even haste was a form of violence. An action of violence he said stems from the thought of violence, which arises from dissatisfaction with the present. And that present moment is every moment. You know, Sant Kirpal Singh’s wisdom and understanding, somehow I feel compelled him to choose a very rigid formula in the form of a triangle, that three sided shape, He said, be good, do good, be one. As a Christian representative then, the concept of the three in one is of the ultimate importance as it is the doctrinal formula of the Christian faith. The three in one is very much interlinked with God the Father, God the Son and God Holy Spirit, the three states of God, existing together as one. And if we were to remove one of them, we would no longer have the Godhead. Be good, Do good, Be One: The three are intricately interlinked together. One of my favourite theologians by the name of John has captured the whole notion of this Be One in the opening lines of his gospel. He writes, ‘In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. He was in the beginning with God; and all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The true light that enlightens every man was in the world. He came to his own people and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.’

to a greater or lesser degree this same personal agony of man and self as expressed so aptly by Saint Paul in this quotation. In one sentence it spells out the ‘guts’, so to speak of man’s personal struggle with his own self, his inability to communicate with his own being and his agony in trying to relate to himself. We hear mentioned often times these days the so-called generation-gap, which supposedly exists between today’s youth and those of us who are over 30 years of age, as an expression of the inability of one generation to communicate with the other. As real as this generation gap may be, the intensity of the struggle of man and self far outweighs this social gap and is indeed of greater dimension and of greater consequences. Here, too, there is a gap between man and his inner being, man and his ground of being. For man’s struggle to communicate with his own self seems almost endless, and yet at the same time it is of the utmost importance. It is this agony of man and self which is expressed in these words, ‘I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.’ It can be said that this struggle of man in search of the self can be appeased initially by applying that veteran of veterans’ philosopher, Socrates’ basic maxim, ‘Know thyself.’ We need to engage in a dialogue with our inner being. We need to come to know ourselves as we really are by engaging in such a dialogue, whereby we will discover our weak points as well as our strong ones. Dialogue is the answer. Christ showed us time and time again that truth and understanding could only be attained by dialogue, be it with the self, with our fellow man or with God.

I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not The necessity of man to become conscious of who want is what I do.’ Indeed, how much truth there is and what he is is most fundamental. Otherwise, man to be found in these poignant words of a Saintly fig- is bent, destined to self-destruction. For have you ever ure writing in his letter to the Romans all those 2000 stopped to consider who is man’s worst enemy? It is years ago. How much of a challenge is placed before neither communism, nor materialism, nor any other each and everyone of us, as we likewise experience hedonistic philosophy, but rather it is man himself.

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Each and every one of us is his or her own worst en- Once man has encountered himself and has been emy. And how is that? Well did you ever stop to con- spiritually reborn, he can fully and completely comsider that the most sinful act committed, the most mit himself to God. By committing ourselves to God, impure thought entertained and the most cruel word in the fullest sense of the word, we discover that the uttered do not originate outside of man, but proceed ‘I’ will decrease, and God will increase in us. As God begins to become the rudder of our lives and permeates our being in depth, the ground of our being, we will discover for ourselves what St. Paul meant when he said, ‘I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.’ This is what the Christ-centered life is all about. I would like to take this opportunity just to set the records straight on behalf of all those Indian Christian residing in the East. You know, living in the West as an Indian Christian, I am immensely saddened, in fact heartbroken, when I note how Christianity or the Christian is portrayed here in the East. Michael is usually seen as a drunkard, Mary and Joseph poor and penny less, and, yes, Peter and John as the goons of the territorial space. I am certain that this is not the case and very much hope that this will soon be brought into its respective perspective. from man himself? We can do more harm to ourselves What the world needs now are individuals, regardthan any one person or group of persons could ever less of their caste, colour, creed or even national conceive in doing. Man is his own worst enemy! Be- background. Young and old alike, clergy and laity, hold the words of Saint. Paul, ‘I do not do the good I committed fully and completely to exhibit in action want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.’ a vital, dynamic and living faith and action, not a wishy-washy kind of faith – here today, gone tomorBy the same token, Plato, the father of all philoso- row – but a real commitment, iron-clad faith, a faith phers expressed this concept of two forces in man that will move mountains. And I see that here, here in his Phaedrus, wherein he depicts the soul of his at Kirpal Sagar, that’s exactly what has happened: charioteer desperately seeking to control two horses’ Sant Kirpal Singh’s vision along with Dr Harbhajan intent on going in the opposite directions. Behold Singh’s mind and his physical ability to bring this the dichotomy of man – for the one force seeks to Kirpal Sagar into one and into that action where we take the soul upward, whereas, the other force tries are today sitting from all nations, races and all faiths to drag it downward. ‘I do not do the good I want, – coming together as the unity of man. Such a faith but the evil I do not want is what I do.’ The first ‘I’ ac- will lessen the reality of man’s struggle – as it has cepts the responsibility for what the second ‘I’ does. been done here. Once having succeeded to some degree in this act of introspection and catharsis, whereby man has come Sant Kirpal Singh summed up in his own words: Be to recognize who and what he is, it follows by neces- good – Do good – Be one. And Saint Paul said, ‘I do sity that he realizes that he must change his ways. To not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is accomplish this, man must experience the sincere what I do.’ It is these ideas, these concepts that need and genuine desire to change, to be spiritually reborn, to be replaced with another expression of St. Paul, ‘I transformed, renewed, reconciled and reunited with live, yet not I, but God liveth in me.’ And until we God so that a new creature will come into being. have that, until we can fight against that inner strug-

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gle within ourself, God cannot reside in us, in our body, which is the temple of God. Ultimately, as the inside cover page of the Unity of Man magazine states, ‘A change can only come about if man is ready to change his own self.’

belief in a divine origin has to tackle with the process of its “translation” into the particular vocabulary of the receiving exponent in the respective culture. Religions at best are inextricable networks of transcendent wisdom, parables, allegories, legends, tales, allegations and orders.

That initial step is of utmost importance, it is crucial. So the question which arises from all this, which I would like to pose to you tonight is: Are you ready for that change?

As a result of globalization Unity of Man is in rapid progress on various fields of human culture: sciences, economy, technology, industry, agriculture, literature, music, art, sports. Why not religion?

And as a community here at Kirpal Sagar and all those delegates from abroad: Are we ready for that change as one and all? As we say, ‘one for all and all for one’.

All traditional religions had been founded more than thousand years ago in agricultural societies. People then were living in a traditional static world. So necessarily religion also had a static character, which later on was held upright with the argument, that the essence of religion, the ultimate reality doesn’t change. This explanation, however is not convincing. First, nobody really knows ultimate reality. Why should it be static in an overall dynamic world? Second, religious doctrines are translations, transcriptions, necessary for the understanding of an audience present at that time. What about us, who live two thousand years later in an urban technical business world? What about our life in a world of scientific understanding of this world and even of ourselves? We don’t want to be bothered, frightened and terrified by aggressive people who are just unable or unwilling to transform an old-fashioned, indoctrinated, self-styled belief, that imprisons them in hatred and brute force.

Thank you for granting me this opportunity to speak here tonight.

“The Change of Heart is the Heart of the Matter”



(A.J.Toynbee)

A comment for Unity of Man from Prof. Dr rer.nat. Dieter Dieterich, Germany

Human Beings are endowed with an individual personality. The core of personality can be depicted as a radiant and all-reflecting cut jewel: the Human This is not a call for abandoning traditional religions, Heart. The Heart is as fathomless as is the Universe nor for their unification in modern terms, but it is an that the mirror-jewel of our Heart reflects. Its tran- attempt for a human understanding of the core of rescendent dimension is nameless and – because it is ligion. It seems appropriate to compare the different difficult to live with the GREAT NAMELESS – has religions in order to get a glimpse for what is combeen designated ATON, JHWH, BRAHMAN, AL- mon in them, even if the words used are quite differLAH, GOD, EMPTINESS (full of potential) or oth- ent. “Who knows just one religion, does not know erwise. The various religions are attempts to connect even one.” (Max Müller, F.; founder of the Comparathe transcendent dimension with the world of phe- tive Science of Religions; Oxford). Obviously there nomena and – most important – with actual human are two essential constituents of religious life: Tranlife and fate. Inevitably religions are different because scendental wisdom including the knowledge of uniof the different cultural scenes, bringing forth reli- versal unity and there from the innate guidelines to gious doctrines and teachings. A pretended or even a fulfilling peaceful human life. Both are faculties of asserted claim of ultimate truth, derived from the our Heart.

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The core of true religion is liberation from alien as beings in their role as adherents of their respective well as self-imposed constraints and obsessions. If religions, but in all human relations on every plane you become acquainted with a so-called religious of human activity. The union of hearts is primary. text or assertion, please examine it without preju- Questions of doctrine and of administration are secdice but with the following criterion in mind before ondary to this.” you decide to get familiar with it by absorbing it into your Heart: Are these venerable Words meaningful There are three faculties of the Heart that we should for your spiritual life, helpful, salutary and liberat- strengthen by daily practice: Being attentive, coming? Or do you feel cramped, oppressed, dominated, passionate and courageous to face life. enslaved? Is this text a hindrance on your way of liberation? What you choose to get familiar with, will form your Heart. Your Heart bears your attitude and your conduct towards yourself and towards everybody and everything. For this reason Toynbee emphasised: “The Change of Heart is the Heart of the Matter. If this change has truly been achieved and the achievement is going to be permanent, it will bring with it a change of conduct for the better, not only in the relation of human

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Be good, Do good, Be one Mr Stadlmeyer, Chairman Unity of Man; Germany Dear Biji, dear respected guests and delegates from abroad, dear brothers and sisters, As we are now gathered here, we can count ourselves lucky to be present during these wonderful days – not only days, also wonderful nights, days and nights full of Master’s grace and Master’s blessing. Mr. Thomas Singh just spoke about some philosophers and about Saint John and Saint Paul, and while listening to his speech, I thought, our Master has done a wonderful work. Which work? When Sant Kirpal Singh started His work in Manav Kendra, He wanted to provide a facility for a comparative study of the holy scriptures. And what had Master done himself? He had read many, many books; one time He said that he had read maybe more than one big library.

much stronger in our daily life so that we become an example. How wonderful it would be if after returning to our homes, to our countries, there would be no need to tell where we had been in India, but if people could feel that something has happened with us. They should feel some radiation of our Master, they should see His ideal „Be good, do good, be one“ being put into practice – not only in our community, in the Sangat, but also in our own family, in our job - we have many, many possibilities to develop more and more.

Last week we found one sentence, where Sant Kirpal Singh had written that actually it is not needed to search for the common truth of the holy scriptures. He himself had been searching and had found it for Sant Kirpal Singh said, “Who is a real Christian? The us - most of these quotations (from different scrip- one who lives in accordance with the inner experitures) we have heard now we will also find in Master’s ences, the inner laws, the inner truth, and the same books, what they express is a reality, it is the truth. goes for Muslims and all devotees of the various reMaster himself was fully conscious, He knew very ligions.” much and He was well versed in the Bible. When He was in the USA, He held one lecture in a church, and We are very thankful to Biji that we have got the opthe subject He took up was “Godpower, Christpower, portunity to be present during this World Conference Masterpower”. He was able to point out the common on Unity of Man. We want to give also many thanks essence of all religions. to our respected guests – they all agreed that there is truth in each religion, that there is hope, and that During these three days we could hear many quota- there is a definite possibility that man can change. tions from various religions, and we have heard that the essence of all religions is one. However, it is not Again thanks to Biji, thanks to our beloved Bhaji. enough to hear it – if we follow the advise of the true men or holy people, of the competent Master, of the Almighty, then we know, this day, the third day of the Conference can also close with a very deep and strong decision, a decision from our side to take the next step, as Biji told us. We all are able to become

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We have to know who we are, what we are Mr Hössinger, Vice Chairman Unity of Man; Austria Dear beloved Biji, respected guests, dear brothers and sisters, It was expressed in all speeches that there is a lot of struggle in the world and all want to have a change – even the term of revolution was mentioned. Sant Kirpal Singh already spoke about a coming spiritual revolution, saying, “There have already been so many revolutions, but have we really changed?” So some other type of revolution is needed. He said further, “This revolution will be a revolution against the evil propensities of the mind.” Means, we have to change the bad habits of the mind into good habits. What is man? We say ‘Unity of Man’, but we must know what man is, if we do not know what man is, how to realize or to manifest the unity which already exists? In Punjabi or Hindi, the word ‘man’ means the same as mind. A man is also called Jiva, means soul covered by mind and matter. Unfortunately mind controls us day and night. While we are sleeping, mind is already planning what to do the next day. In this condition we are a ‘manmukh’, a mind ridden soul.

a book about the ‘Gurmukh’; Gurmukh means, one who has become the mouthpiece of the Guru. Guru (Master) means one who is the mouthpiece of God, who is one with God. And who is His mouthpiece, is also one with God. The Masters say, God is the Master of all of us, and if we take one step in the right direction, towards God, He will come with millions of steps to receive us, to help us, to give us support, to give us guidance and to teach us many lessons as how to control the mind. But if we do not do this very first step, even God can not help us. The main thing we should realize is: Whom can we change? Can we change anybody else? If we can not change ourselves, how can we dream to change anybody else? The Master says, “Change yourself and you have changed the whole creation.” Because we are not separate from this creation, we are a part of it. But we are identified with the creation alone and have forgotten the Creator. God is our Father, He is the Creator of everything, but we only want to have other things from Him. It is said in the scriptures, the soul is like a princess, who is married with a beggar and lives in a dirty hut. This beggar is the mind. Mind is only interested in material things, and why? Mind itself is a matter. Matter has no life of itself, it has no power. So mind lives on the soul like a parasitic plant.

The Vedas and all scriptures say that the main prob- Bhaji used to explain that in detail, like a scientist, lem is how to control the mind. Mind creates count- in his open lectures. He said, „Like a parasitic plant, less wishes, and out of these wishes and out of our mind takes all power from the mother tree, but it has actions mind has created many habits which are en- no root itself. So mind deprives us of our power by slaving us. We are the slaves of our habits. Like fire, taking away our attention, and misusing our attenmind is a good servant but a bad master – a very hard tion, it misuses our power and turns it against us. master. If we do anything wrong, we will undergo a Who should change that? If we do not do it, nobody strict punishment. Kabir said, we may choose any can do it. We have to change. Each one of us is facway we like, in the end we will be taken back to God ing this task. If we have already started with it – very – by suffering all the way… good, if not, we know that only a limited time is allotted to us in this life... Mind is like a watchdog. It will not let us turn towards God until we learn how to control it and to Kabir said, you may live for hundred years, it will be get separate from it. So who is able to help us and good – provided you make the best use of your life. teach us how to control the mind? Only one who is We should not waste it for nothingness. Matter is in control of his mind, who is conscious, who is one nothing, we need to use the matter, we need food and with God – only Godpower can help us. Bhaji wrote everything, but we are not the body, we are not the

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intellect, we are not the mind, we are not the ego, we are not the feelings, we are something else. All Masters said, we have to know who we are. We have to look like into a mirror, and if our mind is not stilled, we can not see ourselves in the mirror of the mind. So we need the help of someone who is competent. When Guru Nanak was asked “Who is your Master?” He said, “Shabd is my Master.” Shabd is another word for the Godpower or God - into expression- power. Father Thomas just quoted, ‘In the beginning was the Word.’ This Word or Shabd is the power which created everything, nothing that has been created has not been created by the Word. So this Word is the Masterpower, is the Christpower, is the Godpower. We have to come in contact with the Word. This Word is already in us, it is the power which gives life to us. Sant Kirpal Singh said in his open lectures: ‘We should not think that there is no controller of this body. Some power is controlling our breath, which is going in and going out. When this power withdraws from the body, breath will stay outside and we have to leave the body at once. We will not get one single breath more.’ We do not know, when we will have to leave, but it is definite that we have to leave. So if we do not solve this riddle of life or the mystery of death now, there is no guarantee that we will even have the chance to do it later. The only time we can change and do something is now. Now is eternity. Tomorrow is Kal, and yesterday is also Kal; Kal is the word for time, for tomorrow and for yesterday. But Kal is also the name of a power – the negative power.

we are soul, and we have to know God. And since there is no end of God, there is no limit to our learning. So it is said, there is only one ‘Saki’, Saki means, the one who distributes the wine – why do people drink wine? Because it gives intoxication, and those who are intoxicated sit together whether they are poor or rich; embracing each other they sing and enjoy. But this outer intoxication lasts for a short time only, and afterwards one feels bad and maybe has done a lot of foolish things as well. So what we need is the intoxication of the inner nectar or ras. The Saki, means the Masterpower, has one pot of nectar and gives to everyone as much as he wants. If we only want to have little, or if we want to have nothing, we should not blame the Saki, it is up to our own decision – or maybe to our own ignorance. If we want to have more we can have more, if we want to have everything there is no limit.

Mind, matter, maya or negative power is one and the same. We should just use the matter, as for example Baba Sawan Singh, the Master of Sant Kirpal Singh, we use money to buy food for ourselves, for our chil- said about our Master, “He took the whole ocean and dren, or for those who are in need. There is nothing still His lips are dry.” That means, He took all the inner bad in money. It is written in the Bible that the desire nectar and was still yearning for more. We may learn for money, the love for money is the evil. So desire something out of the example of Sant Kirpal Singh is the problem. Desire comes from mind. Our desire, and of His beloved Gurmukh, Dr Harbhajan Singh, our love should be directed towards God. God is in and also of our living example that is still with us, our us, He is the soul of our soul. We are a drop of the beloved Biji. We can take some decision now or we ocean of all consciousness, so we are of the same es- can postpone it for an indefinite time, but if we do it sence as that of God. But we do not know it, and so now, we can be sure to be helped by the Master at once. we behave like animals – sorry to say – but it is true. We have to know our own selves and recognize that Thank you.

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Speech Mrs Wahl, Vice Chairwoman Unity of Man; Germany Dear Biji – and I would like to address all as very, very dear brothers and sisters, Today is a very special day for many of us, who had the occasion and the good fortune to have been connected with Kirpal Sagar since its very beginning, and who have seen how it was brought up through one word of Sant Kirpal Singh and the devotion and surrender of His disciples who really are worthy of this name.

chance of today, because for a long time man thought to have everything in his hand and took himself for the centre of the world. He has denied his Father. Now we see that we were playing with the most precious things we got: With our life and with the conditions of our life. It is high time to recognize that we have not the power which we thought to have and that we are dependent upon that higher Power, the life giver, who has created and sustains each and everything. He gave us the most precious thing in the world – our soul, the life or consciousness in man.

As it was detailed before, we are in a permanent struggle between the higher self, the consciousness, We heard today many people complaining about the and the lower mind with which we are identified condition of the world. The world as it was created through our wishes. Again and again it happened by our Father was wonderful; it was perfect in the that humanity came in dire straits by this struggle. So beginning. The condition we see now, has been cre- whenever the times became very hard and all went ated by us, it is the result of our doings. And why did beyond the control of man, the Masters came. They it happen so? Because we have forgotten our Father came selflessly just to tell about our Father. And such and have forgotten that we are a part of Him. a time is now. The only help for us is to recognize that there exists someone above us who is powerful, However, it is great that even if children are naughty, who is almighty, and to remember Him. He is able parents have patience, and out of love are ready to for- to help us out of our calamities. God has given us give and to embrace their children again. And this is the discrimination power – we are said to be the crown

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of the creation, the only being that can discriminate between good and bad. No any other creature is able to do that, but alas, mostly we have chosen the bad. But we have been given the free will, too. We have got consciousness, so we are able to see our condition, we can think over and decide for the better – we can recognize that not we are almighty, that the Almighty stands above us, seeing all our actions. He is always ready to help if we decide for the good. We have heard many times people taking up the motto of Sant Kirpal Singh – ‘Be good, do good, be one’. The Masters did not give mere theories to the world. They had the practical experience of their own self. We read about their experiences in the Holy Scriptures. They say that we are born with the ability to get the same experience they had and request us, “Be still and know that you are God.” However, when we see what is going on in the world, it seems to be impossible to believe that. What is meant, when it is said that we are ‘created after the image of God’? Certainly not that being which is identified with all the passions of the mind, with hate, enmity, jealousy, egotism –no, it means our real self which is a part of God, a drop of the ocean of all consciousness. So the Masters say, ‘Know thyself ’ – meaning to come out of the identification with the mind which separates us from one another.” We are on the birthday of Dr Harbhajan Singh, our beloved Bhaji. On the occasion of his 6oth birth anniversary he simply said, “My birthday is your birthday’.” It seems to be very simple, but these great souls, our spiritual teachers, had the practical experience that we are all one. They saw it. It was not just a good will action to say “My birthday is your birthday”.

sees us, we will be able to turn to the good. During the service in the catholic church there is one prayer, I do not know the exact terms in English, “O Lord, I am not worthy for you to come under my roof, into my house, but just speak one word and my soul will be healthy.” In the present condition we are not worthy, but God is graceful. He can change us and consequently change the situation by the power of the Word – not just by the outer word. It is by the power of the Word which created the world, which is also called Shabd or Naam and by other names. This power was manifest in Christ and all the Masters and they could give a conscious contact with it, so as to raise man above the mind and bring him out of the prison which he has created for himself. So with the Word of the Almighty the whole situation can be changed, provided we use our free will and our discrimination power and our right understanding to turn again to Him and to pray: “Please Father, we have been lost, but now we want to come back to You, please take us into Your arms.”

Similarly Sant Kirpal Singh once addressed the audience with the words, “My own Self in form of the dear ladies and gentlemen sitting before me.” Masters saw This is a simple way to explain the teaching. But I the soul and by realizing their higher Self had real- think, if we take these very simple thoughts and ized that the soul depends upon the Over-soul – you prayer to the heart, it can help us, because the grace may say Godfather or call Him by many other names. of God is greater than the grace we have for ourselves He is the One who gives us the power to speak, to and for our brothers and sisters. walk, to do whatever we need for maintaining our outer life. And if we turn and recognize that we are a Thank you. part of Him, and are aware in all our actions that He

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Press Conference Following the concluding session, a media conference took place where some of the guests made their statement

Dr Almada: In my country, Paraguay, we had nearly 40 years of dictatorship and I fight against the dictatorship. I put in prison several military (officers) in my country, and I always fight. For me this meeting is very important because I learnt that first I must change myself and then fight. This is the most important lesson what I learnt here; my congratulation to this organisation, the Unity of Man. I will try to explain in my country (and) in Latin American countries what happened here. My congratulation, dear friends. Mrs El-Khoury: I try to give a message about the love between the religions of Muslims, Christians and Jews, and this message is in fact our life. This is what I have told. But I think when I go to my home I have another message to give from this conference: This love, this spirituality – they give us their heart, their spirit and their mind. And I can give this message to my friends in Syria, especially in Damascus. I project to write something about this World Conference.

oneness of humanity. And the personal friendship between them – it was not only the speeches but really personal friendship. And then I think secondly a recognition that this has to be part of a transformation of consciousness to realize that we all are one people of the God, and the love of God. It has got to change our attitudes towards each other, towards the creation, the natural world, towards animals. We were to overcome all the prejudices, all the divides, and to show real care for the suffering. And I think that always when you are thinking about that message, it comes back to me, what am I going to do, how can I change, how can I do more to be open to the love of God; to recognize that every single person is my brother and sister just because we are children of God.

Mrs Vivi Akakpo: Thank you very much. I have been overwhelmed by what I saw in Kirpal Sagar. This was my first time in India. I found a city within another city, and when we are talking about Unity of Man, I think this conference really showed that it is possible to have a unity of man. What I liked to say is: In my speech, I mentioned tolerance and forgiveness as stepping Dr Auhagen: I am very touched by my whole experience here in stones for peace and I saw that people accepted one the conference, and I think, the overwhelming hos- another as we were here during that conference. pitality I experienced here was not only an example for the good. It gives me very much hope that we Rev Thomas Singh: can establish it not only here in Kirpal Sagar but all I am very privileged to be here and I thoroughly over the world. It is possible, it is no fiction, if one enjoyed the conference, and it has been a very succoncentrates on the good in oneself, and the good cessful one if I may add. All aspects of the conferin oneself is God. ence have been wonderful, the events have been well performed. I have particularly enjoyed the cultural events and have always felt and said that Rev Braybrooke: First of all was a renewed sense of hope, and in the although we are here quite in the middle of Punjab, time when so often the religions seem to be a cause this Kirpal Sagar is such a wonderful place that you of division it is really inspiring to have religious don’t miss home. leaders of every religion in India coming together, all affirming to have respect and working together and affirming very big the oneness of God and the

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I pray to Master that everybody may get His blessing today. Biji Surinder Kaur

In the end, around 10 p. m., Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur concluded the World Conference on Unity of Man with warm thanks to all participants: Since long we have been waiting for that day and now this time is over. Through the scent of roses we could witness His Grace. Master felt our love, and what He had spoken in Manav Kendra was fulfilled today. At that time much Seva was done there, and Master said: “When you are going to do Seva today, put it straight away into action.” With beautiful words He expressed that there is an ever-shining sun inside, and He also showed us this sun. All representatives of the different religions who participated today basically declared the same. Thereafter we went in each corner-building of the Sarovar and prayed there all together. They said: “This is a holy place for the coming generation.” When they are now returning home, wherever they will go, they will tell about the greatness of Kirpal Sagar.

Yesterday’s evening was full of grace. We could witness so much of His (Kirpal’s) greatness. His work is never delayed. We only have to go forward, He directs our steps to the right direction. Yesterday evening some said that storm and rain would come up and were afraid that the Symbols could be harmed. This is our way of thinking, since we were working on it. I replied, “Our duty is to accomplish everything, not to judge the result – it is He who is holding the bridles like a rider on the horse.” (Except a soft little rain during night time nothing happened, all could attend the inauguration dryshod, until in the late evening of 10 December the rain restarted in earnest.) I am very, very thankful to Him, throughout my life I will pay respect to Him. His words accompany us like the fragrance of roses. What has been pronounced hundreds of years ago came true today.

(Extract)

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Closing Conference From 1 - 11 December 2008, people from all over the world met again in Kirpal Sagar to emphasize the concern of the World Conference on Unity of Man 2007.

In December 2008, people from all over the world met again in Kirpal Sagar to emphasize the concern of the World Conference on Unity of Man 2007. It had been celebrated from 1 to 10 December 2007 on the occasion of the 75th Birth Anniversary of Dr Harbhajan Singh as well as the 25th Jubilee of Kirpal Sagar with a lot of delegates and thousands of visitors. The highlight of the Conference in 2007 was the unveiling of the Symbols on top of the central building in the midst of Kirpal Sagar. Since then they brightly radiate the message of unity and point out clearly that all outer houses of worship are just symbols of the human body in which man can realize God. Many of the delegates and conference participants from various parts of the world expressed their experience of deep inner peace, of real unity – the roots of which lie in the inner spiritual bonds. The Conference 2008 continued with it and took up these ideas and topics. Religious leaders of different religions from Northern India who had also partaken in the main Conference came. Although on the whole smaller than last year this year’s Conference was truly impressing. It took place in Kirpal Bhawan, the big hall for lectures, and had again fringe events in a big variety.

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Programme As in 2007, the Conference Programme was supplemented by charitable, cultural, and sports activities

1 - 3 December Free Medical Check-ups and Eye-operations Seminar on the occasion of the World Aids Day (B. Ed. College) 5 - 7 December National Dr Harbhajan Singh Memorial Inter-School Volleyball Tournament Evening: Culture programme: Historical Scenes from the Life of Guru Teg Bahadur 8 December Marriages for Needy Couples Evening: Sufi Quawalis 9 December Opening of the Exhibition at the Farm Welcome Party of the B. Ed. College Opening of the World Conference on Unity of Man and First Panel Session Evening: Bhajan Sandhiya – Hindu Hymns 10 December Opening of the renovated Library with a new Exhibition Second Session 11 December Havan Puja – Final Ceremony

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Opening of the Medical Camp From 1-3 December, free medical exams as well as eye-operations (cataract) were carried out in the Kirpal Sagar Hospital

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The opening ceremony of the “Medical check–up-cumeye operation Camps” was held by Dr Chitranjan Brar and Dr Ashok Guru of the Local Health Department. Most of the people in this rural area live on agriculture. As they are exposed to intensive sunlight on their fields, a lot of eye diseases arise. Such operations save many of these people’s eyesight who in other case would go blind. About 200 patients had been checked and 35 were operated successfully. The Kirpal Sagar College of Education organized lectures on the occasion of the World Aids Day with Dr Chitranjan Brar on the chair and Dr Ashok Guru as the main speaker.

Above left and right: Dr Chitranjan Brar und Dr Ashok Guru, from the Local Health Department opened the Medical Camp and visited the sick bays. Bottom right: Eye-operations

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National Volleyball Tournament The Dr Harbhajan Singh Memorial Inter School Volleyball Tournament was held from 5 - 7 December

On 5 December, Mrs Shashi Prabha Dwivedi, SSP, Nawanshar, opened the annual National Volleyball Tournament in honour of Dr Harbhajan Singh. Again athletes and spectators were enthusiastic about it. Volleyball teams of various schools from the North of India took part in it. Gymnastic and dance performances of students of the Kirpal Sagar Academy and K.H. Public School, as well as musical performances of the school orchestra formed a colourful setting for the concluding ceremony of the presentation of prizes. The address of the special guest, Mr Harish Dhanda, Chief Parliamentary Secretary of Punjab, to the audience, expressed his deep impression of Kirpal Sagar.

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Mr Harish Dhanda, Chief Parliamentary Secretary: I wish you a heartfelt good evening. It was really pleased to come here in this institution. I have already heard a lot about it, but today I am here for the first time. I tell you, I have heard very good things about this institute, but after having come here, I feel that it is even better than what I had heard. I congratulate all the organizers for that and I appreciate the way of life which is being taught due to the message of His Holiness Kirpal Ji. I also appreciate

the great efforts of the Gurmukh Harbhajan Ji and all the followers of this way; I hope and wish that this message will bring harmony and peace to all mankind, to the whole world. I congratulate all the participants and winners of course, but even the ones who could not achieve the top of the ladder, because they gave their best. So you all are the winners. All who participated are the winners, and I expect everyone to give you all good Excerpt of the talk wishes.

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Wedding Ceremonies On 8 December, there were wedding ceremonies for couples from disadvantaged families

As every year, Unity of Man organized weddings for needy couples. On 8 December, 23 bridal couples arrived in Kirpal Sagar. Their marriage ceremonies were celebrated according to their own religions and rites. 21 couples belonged to the Sikh religion, one couple married according to Hindu rites, and one more couple was married in the Christian way. The wedding ceremonies were performed one after the other by the respective priests and took place in a big tent in the presence of all guests. It was the first time for a Christian couple to be present. The priest was deeply impressed and thanked Unity of Man for making possible wedding celebrations for needy people. He said,

“It is wonderful that such a place exists here where God is continuously spoken of. Marriage is only a first step. Then a life full of devotion and responsibility should follow with standing together in good and bad times. We live in this world and have different religions, but this is certain for all: Our bodies are made of dust and we will return to dust again. God loves all His children in the same way. He made us of His own image, and it is our duty to live accordingly and treat each other loveably. Godpower has allotted to us a certain number of breaths; no one can shorten or increase it. The Bible says, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.’ So God has joined husband and wife to help each other. Marriage of the soul and God – where soul is the bride and God the bridegroom – ranks before

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the physical marriage. God created husband and wife to live together in the world. If we don’t treat each other in a loveable way, He cannot bless us. Man is of the highest rank in creation and God created it to serve men. We all make mistakes and suffer hard accordingly. We should consider that man and woman are equal, none of them is higher or lower. It is the wife’s duty to love her husband, to respect and honour him; and the same way it is the husband’s duty to love his wife, to respect and honour her. God’s words count equally for husband and wife. They should be faithful to each other which is nowadays often ignored. When Christ was crucified He said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they

are doing.’ In the same way we should forgive each other and have respect for each other. These words do not only count for the ones who marry today, but for all of us. I want to thank once more the organization of Unity of Man for making possible such weddings for people in need.” Extract of the priest’s address

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Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur We all have gathered here in Master’s house and have prayed to Him. Kabir also taught: Soul and Oversoul must become one. Atma – the soul – is the bride and Paramatma – the Oversoul (God) – is the bridegroom. Only He can unite the souls, nobody else. If they are separated, they can only be separated by Him.

ute them in the whole world. When Mahapurushas, great souls, came into the world, they always passed on their message.

What is the meaning of marriage? It means, ‘God has brought us together.’ May He hold His protecting hands above us! He showers His blessing upon us. I am pleased to have come to know where the daugh- Today we have gathered here like for a family celebraters and sons (the couples) were born and how they tion. He has united you on that special place, and you met each other, and to see them under His protecting should take all the good from here and make the best umbrella today. We do not know where, for example, of it in your homes. There is not much to be added the cows are coming from, where they go, where they to the loving words of my brothers, the priests; these find their food, and how they meet. We are ignorant were wonderful words. He has dyed us in His Godly about the reason why we are born into a certain fam- colour; it cannot be washed away. ily, how we are connected, and how God unites the souls – all that lies in His hands. We all have come What is called heaven? A place where peace prevails. from God and we have to return back to Him. As you have witnessed it here, so you should bring this peace into your own families. These were Sant Matrimony is a precious matter; living together both Kirpal Singh’s words: ‘The daughters leave and go to should be able to go back to God some day. Married another house, but they take with them their own life may implicate various troubles, like rainy days development; they hand on the colour of their own make streets muddy but when the sun comes back, home.’ If we live loveably, with unity, we are able to we can go on walking smoothly. So we should walk pass on this unity. together step by step, travel the journey of marriage in a loveable way, until finally both reach His Home. Here is the house of your Father; you may come here at any time; don’t forget that. We are celebrating Dr. I am handing on Bhaji’s words to you, we are fulfill- Harbhajan Singh’s Birth Anniversary, we are fulfilling his dream. Sant Kirpal Singh commissioned him ing his dream. We are all made of the same dust like to create a platform for people of all religions where you. He gives us the power so that we can hand it on they can meet and pray together. In this spirit we to you. We cannot give you anything from our own have come together on this place today. Who made it side, but you can get each and everything from the possible? He alone. As mentioned by my son before, house of your Father. I pray to the Godpower to bless it is the house of your Father and we have gathered you. Go home with His blessing.” here today like a family. Afterwards Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur presented the marWhy are we born into the world, what is our pur- riage certificates to the couples and a set of household pose? Man should know himself, only then he is able items donated by Unity of Man. A banquet concluded to know God. What can be called a true man? Only the wedding celebrations. one who has known himself; then he is able to know others, too. Sant Kirpal Singh gave us such an eye, such a light to be able to do so. We have heard that this body is made of dust. It is only a house; it can also be compared with a tree. It should bear rich fruits of spirituality and distrib-

Left: Mrs Surinder Kaur presenting the marriage certificates to the couples and a set of household items donated by Unity of Man.

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Opening of the Exhibition at the Farm In the early morning of 9 December, the Exhibition at the Farm was opened

In October 1973, Sant Kirpal Singh had visited the Farm, which at that time consisted of a small farm building and seven fields. He made Dr. Harbhajan Singh responsible for it, and from then on he ran it together with the Amritsar Sangat. This Farm formed the tiny seed for the whole Kirpal Sagar of today.

In the morning of 9 December, all together proceeded to the Farm, where Mrs Surinder Kaur opened a richly pictured exhibition about the historical background of Kirpal Sagar. It describes the route of spirituality in recent times, from Agra back to Punjab, on the basis of Baba Jaimal Singh’s and Baba Sawan

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Singh’s short biographies who both lived and worked in Beas. When Baba Sawan Singh had left, complying to his instructions, Sant Kirpal Singh went to Delhi. When He commissioned Dr Harbhajan Singh to build Kirpal Sagar at this place, spirituality returned from Delhi to Punjab. Included in this exhibition is also the very same car that Kirpal Singh had been using for years and then left to Dr Harbhajan Singh. Further, a tractor that had been used during erecting the Manav Kendra (Manmaking Centre) in Dehra Dun, which Sant Kirpal Singh also gave to Dr Harbhajan Singh to work with on the Farm. Even in those days Sant Kirpal Singh remarked, “The Manav Kendra which I wanted to build is still not erected – it will be erected here (in Kirpal Sagar).” Afterwards all together went to the one room which had been built in the beginning and now in remembrance of Sant Kirpal Singh serves as meditation room. Mrs Surinder Kaur was deeply moved by remembering that special time. She told from Master’s visit in those days and how her family with her had lived in that little room.

Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur said, ‘Prepare our luggage, we have to move.’ My son Sant Kirpal Singh told Dr Sahib to complete the for- then was as small as Harji (my grandchild) is now. He mation of this place. What is the heart and to whom always used to insist by force to come along, and that the heart can be given? The heart is a very precious day he also came along with us. We took the ‘Flying’ organ in the Guru’s chest. When Master gave 7000 (a known fast train) to Delhi. And what was MasRs. to Dr Sahib into a scarf made of a turban cloth, ter saying at the same time in Delhi? He said, ‘Open He made a knot in it and tied the scarf around his hip. the room, prepare food for three persons and keep He then said to Dr Sahib, ‘O Doctor, today I have it in the room.’ The cloth with which the food was given you my precious heart.’ The place for the heart- covered was made of seven patches stitched together. beat of the Guru is the chest of the disciple. When When we reached the same day in the evening, Dhani the Master remembers the disciple, the attention of Ram Dalip Singh asked Dr Sahib, ‘Have you written the Master is in the disciple, and when the disciple any letter to Master?’ Bhaji replied, ‘No.’– ‘Did you remembers the Master, Master’s heart beats in him. phone Him (that you will come)?’ Bhaji answered, ‘No.’ Then he told, ‘Master has said that three persons One time Master remembered Bhaji and me because are coming. Your food is ready and is standing in the He needed us. At that time we used to go from Nag room, the beds are prepared, and only you have come, Kalan to Amritsar (to the Ashram) in order to sit in nobody else.’ When we went to see Him, Master was Bhajan (meditation) in the morning and evening. I sitting there, and by seeing us coming He stood up. was just remembering Master, when Bhaji came and Today nobody can stop the sight of that eye (seeing

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these scenes) and the speed of the tears. ‘O Beloved, that time You used to get absorbed in us like the (voice of the nightingale, and You were outside, too (He was also physically there).’ Today I have only one prayer, ‘This place has made this ocean flowering. This place has given the colour to the creation.’

the programme for 10.00 a. m. But Master decided to bring also those under His shadow who were still on the way, only then the door of the library should be opened.

I prayed to Master, ‘O Master, how can Your book be opened?’ Master said, ‘A book you have to unfold In this December the whole Conference will be con- and read, but here (the exhibition) is my open book cluded on 10 and 11. The fountain of this Power has which the coming generation can read.’ The many burst now. What kind of prayer you will make, it will generations who will come next will know that there be definitely fulfilled. But my Master took God first was a great personality. And who was this personal(even in prayer). ity? God’s doctor. And who was this God’s doctor? This was Dr Harbhajan Singh. And what was HarWith extreme difficulties Bhaji has made this house, bhajan? Hari’s, (God’s) colour - the colour which got this place, and he made it flourish. At that time this absorbed in the ocean. This ocean we have filled in a place was not so liveable, there were snakes and vessel and are carrying it above our head, from there many other things. When I came here together with it is overflowing and there under we are taking the the children, the Sangat just started to work. Dr Sa- bath. hib told our daughter Parminder to clean everything for the whole Sangat. When the Sangat used to come The hearts of those who live at this place should be to take food, everything used to be clean. Our sis- very pure. You all know the story of Guru Amar Das. ters even did hard work in the fields, harvested the When the child of Baba Lena (Guru Angad Dev) crops and ran the machines (while their husbands pushed him with his foot, he kissed his foot and were doing their jobs) so that this house could be set- asked: ‘Are you hurt somewhere?’ – ‘Why?’ – ‘Betled. As it is today, we dreamed of it at that time. The cause these are old bones.’ Until and unless such feeltime is passing very fast. My wish is that the time ings are born in our hearts, it is not spirituality. When which we spend in His remembrance should be like you live in this Sagar and you will go out somewhere, this that His remembrance radiates through each of the fragrance will come from you. our veins. Take the example of Bhaji. He went to Srinagar. SeWe have seen these pictures in the exhibition. When bastian was with him to buy carpets and there was a the foundation stone ceremony in the hospital of shop of saffron. The shopkeeper came out and said, Nag Kalan was going on, the beauty and radiance ‘O brother, you have come to buy saffron?’ Bhaji said, of the Father and the Son was unbearable. Neither ‘No, we have not come to buy saffron.’ The shopBhaji was in the body nor Master. If there were only keeper replied, ‘But there is a fragrance coming from one story, but there are so many – how long it would you.’ Bhaji replied, ‘This fragrance is from my Mastake, if I told you everything! I tell you, don’t use your ter.’ He caught hold of Bhaji’s arm and took him into mind, be in His remembrance, go straight (in your his shop, and in the end this man came and even got life) and He will never let you do any mistake. He initiation. doesn’t belong to a small group only; He is the Creator for the whole creation. Don’t hurt the heart of the elders. If you have hurt their hearts, you may go to thousand pilgrimages, Time is very short. You know, there was a programme nothing will be accepted. Today one old woman for the inauguration of the library, but nothing could came into the Father’s home. When I met her, I told happen without the will of the Master, it could not her that in the form of the elders Master has given us take place until He desired it so. We cannot enter diamonds. By seeing them and serving them we get until He opens the door from inside. We had fixed God’s Power. Those people who had come to drop

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this woman here said, ‘Today we have got a lesson from you.’ Whose words are these? These are the words of Sant Kirpal Singh, on whose place we came together today. With these words I conclude now. Sit in His re-

membrance just for a few minutes and the grace will be showered unto all of you. Excerpt of the Satsang

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Welcome of the Teachers Training College Since 2007 a college for training teachers exists in Kirpal Sagar (Kirpal Sagar B. Ed. College) – in cooperation with the Guru Nanak Dev University, which is now attended by about 100 young men and women.

At midday on 9 December, the rector, lecturers, and students gave a welcome to the guests of the Conference, as well as to the new students. Lectures were given, classical and modern dances were performed, as well as songs, music plays and sketches. An open-air dinner followed. During the performances Professor Malekar, Rabbi of the synagogue in Delhi, arrived. He addressed the students and all participants. Rabbi Dr Ezekiel Malekar Good afternoon, Namastee, Satsriakal Ji, First of all I want to apologize for my coming only now. I took the morning train and it was late. I am very much thrilled about being here, because whenever I enter here in Kirpal Sagar, I feel this strong vibration of spirituality. I came from far and although I belong to a microscopic small community, that of the Jewish religion – I am the Rabbi of the Synagogue (in Delhi) –, I have great respect for Bibi Ji (Mrs Surinder Kaur). She is my philosophic guide, and when I sit with her and she is talking to me, one can feel her being full of (spiritual) knowledge and wisdom. I call her an ambassador of peace. I am a very fortunate one to be able to come here. I come to take her Darshan and to seek her blessings. I also congratulate all those students of this college. It was such a wonderful cultural programme which I have never witnessed before. You can see the unity in the diversity. The world is one great family. India is a multi-religious country, but it is like a rainbow – its seven colours can be merged and then there is only one colour left – white. It is what can be seen here; it is what I have witnessed here on this stage. Excerpt of his adress

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Concluding Sessions On 9 December, in the afternoon, and on December 10, the main sessions of the Conference were held in the Kirpal Bhawan, the big Conference Hall. Religious leaders

Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur, president of Unity of Man, India, reminded all of the Conference 2007 and narrated from Dr Harbhajan Singh’s life. It was his dream to bring Kirpal Sagar to full bloom and it is now coming true.

the meaning of ‘Congregation of Sants’, the ‘Sant Samagam’? It is the heart of the Sants, the colour of the Sants, by which man can know an other man.

Who is a Bhagat? When he tells something, the words (Bani) are coming from above. Sant Kirpal Singh Dear Sangat of Master, gave already His grace, the spirituality, in this hall. He does His work Himself. We are not able to do it One year has passed, and we go on the inner way of ourselves. Since one year the Conference on Unity of spirituality. We are disciples in the ocean of knowl- Man is being continued. Hazur Himself has prepared edge. Today, on December 9, we all are assembled His way; He has predestined the time for His work. under His tree of spirituality which is giving us shade. This is unity. What is the way of spirituality? Why did It is our job to surrender everything at His holy feet, Sant Kirpal Singh give the message of the unity of to His will. All what happens, happens according to man? His message was full of love and devotion, and His will. When He gives us happiness, we should go we have to follow this way of unity to reach our goal. through (thankfully), when He gives sadness, we We have enrolled at this school. Since first of Decem- should surrender to His will. He who gave us the life ber, according to His commandment, His spiritual is also able to give us the nourishment for our life. flowers have started giving their fragrance. This was No one can erase the light of the sun which is shinBhaji’s dream, and we try our level best to fulfil it. I ing. This body is made of dust and in this body His have seen the tree of spirituality planted here in Kir- light gives us life, and with the help of the light we pal Sagar giving his fruit for everybody. can cross the inner jungle. We have to surrender ourselves to Him and to live according to His wish and As I told in the morning, Bhaji’s words were full of to pray for the knowledge. love and grace. Step by step, Master brought Bhaji very close to Him. He made him the image of His Lord Buddha was longing for the inner knowledge, own heart. Bhaji tried his level best to go very deep and when he attained it, he got more and more siinto the words of Master and throughout his life he lent. Full of peace he lived intoxicated and absorbed never left Master’s words. in this knowledge. People came and asked him, ‘How great is God?’ Buddha answered, ‘How great is God, We can go everywhere, we will get knowledge, but if He made a Sadhu out of a normal man? Don’t put the practical life you will find with Unity of Man. The me questions, I want to be silent. Please, let me travel practical life (of spirituality means) – to die before on my inner journey in silence.’ Just as a mute person death. If we have learned to die before death, there eating sugar cannot tell about its sweetness because is no fear of death. Dr. Sahib Ji used to say, ‘Do not he is mute, we have to prepare our way to God in live only for yourself, live for others. The lesson is not silence. for others but for ourselves.’ As long as we don’t get His (inner) word from His treasure house, we cannot This unity we want to bring among mankind, and do anything, and then the pandal (the congregation according to Master it already exists. Why do I tell in the hall) does not get coloured by Him. What is you these things? Because we are identified with our

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worldly wishes, we have lost our soul in this world and so we lost the unity of mankind. To revive the forgotten unity of man, the Sant Mahatmas came into the world and renewed the message of the unity of man. We must have love. We have no enemies, we ourselves are our worst enemies, because the fire of hatred is burning permanently in us and separates us from each other.

What is the aim of our human life? To go back to Home Eternal. This (Eternal) Power comes, takes a human form and can live amongst us. But unfortunately we are not ready to go home. Once Lord Krishna was asked why he simply doesn’t take all back home. He answered, “Do you want to see if they really want to go home?” And he went to an old man and asked him if he wanted to go home – as he was already very old. But the old man explained that he I have seen with my own eyes, how radically my Haz- had to take care of his grand-children. The man was ur Sant Kirpal Singh Ji, the Godpower, has changed reborn as a parrot. Again he was asked by Krishna if Bhaji’s life. Master always said, ‘He is God’s doctor.’ he wanted to go back home. But he answered that he This went so far that once Master requested him, had to guard the house so that no thieves could steal ‘Check my heart’, and as Master lifted His shirt (at the anything. He was reborn as a fly in the dung. Again right side), Bhaji said, ‘No, the heart is on the other Krishna asked him if he didn’t want to go back home. side.’ Master replied, ‘You know my heart?’ One can- He replied, “Don’t you find anyone else than me?” not give the heart to anybody. The heart is a very precious part of the human body. There is only one who We have to justify our purpose for which we have can attain (Master’s) the heart – a Gurusikh (a true got the human body. The life of Sant Kirpal Singh is disciple). The heart beat of Master is the Gurusikh, full of practical examples. Swami Ji often told that we the Gurmukh. Who is a Gurusikh? One who has have to live spirituality in a practical way. The body surrendered everything to Master’s will. Master and is the true temple of God and we must not gamble Gurmukh have the same breath. The heart beat of away our life. the Gurusikh is the Master. The Master is the disciple and the disciple is the Master. Guru has merged with I again welcome all the guests warmly. the disciple and the disciple with the Guru. We have all gathered here for attaining the same. We came here to learn this. If we did not drink it ourselves, we have not got the spiritual intoxication either. Master’s words were, ‘As long as the fragrant flowers of spirituality are not growing in us, we cannot call us a Gurusikh.’ We cannot hide anything from the Gurudev (inner Master). If the Guru wishes, He can bring His fragrance in all gardens. The Guru will give the disciple such an ‘injection’ that he cannot live without the Guru. Then the disciple feels that the Guru is always looking towards him.

Karamjit Singh, Chairman Unity of Man I thank you all for coming here. Members of all religions are here to share their opinion with us. Sant Kirpal Singh commissioned Dr. Harbhajan Singh to build a platform where all can meet together.

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Speeches of the Delegates Delegates of the various religions told about the common essence of all religions and about the importance of not only listening to it, but putting it into practice during life

Rabbi Dr Ezekiel Malekar Religion means awakening. Religion is not somebody to say, “My religion is supreme” and all have to accept it. One has to understand the principles of all the religions. Basically all the religions are the same. In the Rig Veda it is said, “Truth is one, and we know it by many names.” There is only one God, whether we call Him Ishwar, Bhagwan, or Allah. It is one inner spiritual power, the Power of God. He is Grace, He is Love. A rainbow has seven colours. If they are mixed, we get white colour. Cows are of many colours, but their milk is always white. Swami Vivekananda says, “You may be born in any religion, but you should not die in it.”

all wear sweaters, or scarves. We use so many cosmetics and apply creams to look beautiful, but now it is high time to beautify the inner, the soul. I consider myself very fortunate, because we all have gathered here to celebrate the 76th birthday of Dr Sahib. We should not only remember him on the day of his birthday. In reality we have never forgotten him. He lives on in our hearts and we really can only be a tribute to him if we lead our lives as he did. His message was that of humanity. Already yesterday I told again and again that our true religion is to serve humanity.

Yesterday one of the students asked me, “What do you mean by serving the humanity?” As an answer to What is true religion? In Rig Veda it says that we have all the students I want to narrate a short story: One got three duties. What is your first duty? It’s your duty day Lord Indra invited all the gods, goddesses and towards God, your obligation towards your Master demons for dinner. All assembled in the hall and – towards Biji. What is your second duty? Honour Lord Indra said, “Before you start taking your food, your parents. But above all stand your duties towards there is one condition – do not bend your elbows!” your fellow men. As it is said in the Bible, “Thou shall The demons felt insulted and left the place without love thy neighbour as thyself.” Rabbi Hillel once ex- taking food. But all the gods and goddesses shared plained to me the essence of Judaism on one sentence. the food. How could they do that without bending What did he say? “Do not hurt, do not do any act that their arms? They fed each other! is harmful to you.” Humanity means showing compassion and mercy. Sikhism also tells, “Repeat the name of your God, Not only to human beings, but to the animals also. fulfil your duties honestly, and distribute your earn- Give rest to the land which gives us food. That is real ings among your fellow men.” That is the essence of humanity. Sikhism. In that way you can take any religion (and you will find the same principles). But we do not I can give you Dr Harbhajan Singh’s message in five practice religion in our day-to-day life. We only use it words: Firstly, avoid the words ‘I’ and ‘my’. It should in an emergency. We abuse it. A prayer should come always be ‘we’ – the second word. Thirdly, the word from the core of your heart. Take any prayer, whether ‘ego’ – it should be removed completely, it causes it is of Judaism, Christianity or Sikhism (but we have pride, greed and many more things. The fourth word to pray from heart). is ‘love’ and the fifth is ‘peace’. You know, we take care a lot of our body, but we for- And what is said in the Bible? Peace cannot be found, get our internal spiritual power. Now, in winter, we it is to be built. And God says, the one who develops

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peace, builds peace, that is a real messenger (of God). Or take tolerance. It is like a tree. You throw stones at the tree, but in return you get fruits. Similarly, a cloud that is filled with water bends upon the earth. So we should have humility. Be a human! This is the real tribute to Dr Sahib. Today we have inaugurated the Library, and I have one request to Bibi Ji: In memory of Dr Sahib here in this very centre we should have graduate, post graduate and diploma courses in the comparative study of religions. Because here in Kirpal Sagar I feel the vibration of spirituality. Let the message go from here!

Pandit Misra Dr Harbhajan Singh brought with Master’s grace this place to a full bloom. He put each and everything of Sant Kirpal Singh’s words into practice. We are very blessed to have come here. Each one of us can read the Bible, the Guru Granth Sahib, the Koran, and the Hindu Scriptures. Saints do not come for themselves, but for the whole humanity. Dr Harbhajan Singh carried out very practically everything Master had told him. I am very happy that I could get to know him personally. On September 7, 1995, I was in Amritsar with Dr Harbhajan Singh and we took food together. Dr Harbhajan Singh said, “Kirpal Sagar is the house of your Father; you can come here at any time.” Dr Harbhajan Singh and Master came to show the right path to humanity. What we need in the world is love and peace. We should sit under His protecting umbrella and remember this Power. When we reach His Holy Feet we get inner and outer peace. In the Hindu Scriptures it is written that we have to become perfect to be able to go back home. We should take this as lesson and put it into practice. Only in this way the impurities of the soul can be washed away. In the Satsang the soul gets fresh food. In the Satsang the shortcomings can be removed and the mind can be calmed down. For the soul it is the

be-all and end-all to be in community of those who speak about His Greatness. When the soul comes under the protection of a Saint it realizes where it comes from and where it belongs to. Body is made of five elements, and the mind has five bad attributes. With the help of a Godman they can be controlled. O man, you have come into this world not only to live in it, but to understand your real cause: to know yourself and to know God and then to return home.

Werner Stadlmeyer, Chairman Unity of Man, Germany Being here today we can remember that great event, that great possibility which we got like a gift from God Himself in last December. Last year, when these four symbols were completed, Bhaji’s dream could be fulfilled. Sometimes Bhaji told, “When you later will come to Kirpal Sagar, you will be able to see the symbols from far on top of Master’s house. These symbols will be shining.” They will not only be just symbols – as something is written in a book – but they will be a very strong part of the further life of the whole humanity. Remembering last December, when we participated in the World Conference on Unity of Man in the big tent, we now know that it was a wonderful chance we had. We could see members of all religions, could watch how they sat together in peace next to each other, there was no difference. Why was there no difference? We can find it in Master’s teaching, in His teaching as well as in Bhaji’s and Biji’s words. They all say, “There is no difference from man to man; unity already exists.” Master said, “We need not to create unity, it already exists.” The same words we can read on Bhaji’s place. Master also said, “But we have forgotten it.” And that forgetting should have been removed by last year. It should be completely removed now that we are celebrating the Conference on Unity of Man 2008.

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Once Hazur Baba Sawan Singh was asked if it were Joining the soul back to this working Power is the necessary to change from one religion to another. He main concern of every religion. answered, “There are so many deep wells, why to dig a new one? Keep to the community where you were Sant Kirpal Singh further said that it is our purpose born into.” Our Master Sant Kirpal Singh empha- in life to become a real Christian, a real Sikh, a real sized that is was most essential to develop right un- Hindu, a real Moslem, so that we have fulfilled it in derstanding – to know who we are, where we came the real sense when we once will have to leave the from and where we have to go to. Further He said, physical plane. “Who are we? We are not the body, we are not the mind nor the intellect, no, we are the soul, the ind- The religions into which we have been born and their weller of this body.” scriptures awake our desire for God. The way back to God is the way which we call ‘man-making’. It conSo this indweller – that we are – is eternal. Sant Kir- tains respect for all living creatures; non-violating all pal Singh also said we should go deep into the Holy forms is an old, old commandment of the compeScriptures of the different religions. Then we will re- tent Masters, which can also be found in the Bible. alize that the essence of all is the same. We are spirit, It says, “Love thy neighbour” and further, “Love thy the souls, and above us is the Godpower working. neighbour as thyself.” And it also says, “Love, and

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everything shall be added unto you.” The Gospel of St. John says, “God is love, and the way back to God is also love.” Love is innate in the soul. In this way Unity of Man is the platform, the basis of the whole mankind to meet each other at the level of the soul.

intoxication that continues day and night. We can jump into this ocean of grace. Soul is blessed when the Oversoul blesses it. Sant Kirpal Singh showed us the path, we must follow it and we have to get our own experience.

Dr Harbhajan Singh often said here in Kirpal Sagar, “Unity of Man respects every religion.” We could ex- O man, forgive yourself so that He can forgive you. perience it last year and this year, as well: it is really Man is not God, but he is also not separated from possible in this whole worldly going on that leaders Him. We all come from one source and have to go of different religions and movements are able to live back to the same. All what is taught here is told in together peacefully and to focus a mutual aim to- order to learn us to jump and to see for ourselves. gether. What Sant Kirpal Singh and Dr Harbhajan Singh had intended to do, what they had “wished” to When a plant is planted, it can only grow when it do, it is being fulfilled now, the outer sign of which is watered. Water gives life to it. In celebrating this is the building of the symbols. Looking at them we birthday our plant is watered. see that they complete each other wonderfully, all are models of the human body. Godpower has allowed God has given life to us; one day we have to go back to erect them on top of the central building in the home and become one with the Oversoul. When Sarovar. This inner joy and peace which we feel here one has received His Word, His Initiation, Amrit, he in Kirpal Sagar can be taken deep in our hearts, we should live with it. Then the soul will become free can take them along into our everyday life. and can go. The one who gives tan, man, dan – body, mind, everything he has can achieve it. Many of Sant Kirpal Singh’s disciples from the West have to go back to their respective countries, but But our condition is that of a king sitting on the each one of them will take this feeling, this certainty throne, sleeping, and dreaming to be a beggar. Peoof inner peace, joy and meeting God to his home ple (wanted to get rid of him and) said, “Oh, Baba, and hand it on to others. go on.” One said to him, “Go to the other side, there you will get something.” There someone was cookSant Kirpal Singh said, “Be good, do good, and be ing milk-rice and was ready to give him some into one!” Thank you. his hands. But he answered, “How can I take it? The rice is much too hot, I will burn my hands. Give me a plate so that I can have some and eat it.” The one cooking the rice said, “Go over there, someone is there to give you a plate.” So he went and asked for a Swami Chetan Nirmale We should go into the words that have been spoken plate. But when he got it, he grasped for it so roughly and dedicate our life to Him. We should take into that the plate broke. – When he woke up again, the our hearts what Dr Harbhajan Singh and Sant Kirpal king thought, “I am a person that can give something Singh told. Also in Gurbani it is said that there is no to everyone in the world, but inside I am a beggar.” high and no low. None is our enemy, everything is His creation and He Himself lives in it. There is one We should consider in which condition we are. OutCreator, we should accept and understand that. side we see, but we do not see inside. If we work, we will earn money and can buy something. But from One who has jumped into water knows how it is. As our Guru we get knowledge and it costs nothing. long as you only hear or speak about it, but not have One who has inner knowledge has everything, and jumped yourself, you do not know it. Bhaji’s sun it is eternal. He who has right understanding, he can showed us the way. Guru Nanak said he has such an also give right understanding to others.

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We have heard (in the story) that this body is like a plate made of clay which can break at any time. This body is a vessel in which the Godpower lives, everything is in us. Blessed is one who serves Master’s cause. There is only one God, there is only One who can give us something, and He gives it to everyone.

If a man prays a lot, but hates his fellow beings, then all prayers are in vain and he is not worth being called a man. If we love others, but we do not love God, it is also incomplete, as long as we do not remember God. A true man loves God and men. Every religion preaches: All have to become men.

This is the Ocean of Grace. Whom does the Godpower bless? And how? We are given Light, we are given Om, when we are ready to come to Him and to beg for it. When we keep sitting at the shore we will never know how deep the ocean is. Only one who swims in the ocean can have this experience.

But what do we see in the world? In the name of religion hatred is spread; we are fed up in hearing this. Sometimes I think: O Man, how can you degrade yourself in such a way? Take the example of what happened in Bombay (where terrorist attack killed so many people). Men who commit such things have not understood what religion is. Each religion preaches love, as it has been mentioned before. We are all one, there is no enemy, only through love God can be reached. Even Mohammed said, “Your tongue must not form any bad word; before you speak, think of God and don’t utter anything bad!” All are His children. If we hate His children, but (pretend to) love God, that is no love, it is impossible. In that case we cannot receive God’s love. We should love God and serve the whole creation.

Through His Grace we have gathered here and speak of Him, but when we come into His house, we will become one with Him.

Giani Dhanvir Ahmed Khadan I pray to God, He may bless the whole humanity. All should sit together and remember this Power.

As we have heard, today is Dr Harbhajan Singh’s 76th Here in this place, in Kirpal Sagar, I have seen that birthday. The aim of Unity of Man is to help others man is respected in its real sense. Needy are served and to serve them. We celebrate this day in full hap- and all are shown God’s path. piness. I have been here three or four times. The last time when I was here one year ago, there was the big Why is it always stressed to do these things practiConference tent outside. Today we have inaugurated cally? Without putting these things into practice we the exhibition of the Library. Why do we celebrate cannot achieve inner peace. Today we live in a technithese ceremonies? “Where my Satguru is, there I feel cal world and see what technology can cause. Within His Grace.” Where a lover of God sits, there a holy seconds man can destroy all. We sit on a bomb that place, a pilgrimage place comes into being. People can explode at any time. come here full of love and receive the grace. What is being done here? Charitable work. A true man is one Today parents tell their children that they have got who is helpful to others. no time to think of God. But if children don’t hear the words of the Mahapurushas, they cannot develAll speakers we have heard talked about unity, no op. Then these are the children who put their parents matter which religion they belonged to. The first step into homes, because they have not learned to serve is: We are all human beings. All religions say this; them. also an Arabian proverb says: Man is a being full of love. Einstein has researched the atomic power, today the atom bomb is turned against humanity. The situation We can call Him Maharaji, Mahatma, Allah, but He is so critical, that a war can destroy all. is the one Creator of the whole humanity. So the purpose of true religion is to bring the whole

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mankind together. Man has to live as man, otherwise it is no life. We speak a lot, but it doesn’t come from heart. When this love dwells in our hearts, we will do no harm to anyone. As long as we do not practice it ourselves unity won’t be here. That is why we should hear the words of Sant Kirpal Singh and Dr. Harbhajan Singh and put them into practice. We read the holy scriptures, but we don’t live up to them. We cannot develop man by money. We should pray and achieve inner peace. In the Guru Granth Sahib it is said that we should live in that way we He wants us to. If we make His will to our will, we can get everything from Him. I thank H.H. Surinder Kaur and welcome you all again. The true birthday can only be celebrated with Saints. We should have places like Kirpal Sagar everywhere so that men can hear these things. A true Moslem cannot commit bad, violent deeds. I am very thankful for the possibility to be here and to speak here.

Mohamed Aksam We are thankful to Biji for all the good she did for mankind and for giving us the possibility to speak here. We often meet her in Amritsar. This place is really blessed. Sant Kirpal Singh had been here and Dr Harbhajan Singh asked for making it habitable. It is a blessed place. Here a good education of children is provided and old people are looked after. It is Master’s grace that the Sangat of all countries is here. We hear different languages. All religions are respected. Master meant something when he created this place. He has blessed this place. Today we watch it burning everywhere in the world and when one is capable of putting out the fire, he can have the water from this place.

in the world. All religions should cooperate. We like to come here because Biji shows respect to us. Today we celebrate Dr Harbhajan Singh’s 76th birthday together. It should be an example for all others. I pray to God that he may bring peace into the world, so that we can perform good deeds together for the whole mankind. I thank you and welcome all the guests, also in the name of my organisation.

Nirmal Swami Satpreet Hari Ji From my soul, in the name of God, I give my congratulations to you (for this programme). I want to say, “God is everywhere.” We have got the human body just only to meet God. Everywhere is God. As I am everywhere in me, in my eyes, my hands, my feet, like that God is everywhere. We have two eyes to see nature, to see others, but we have an other eye, too. Just as we sleep at night and don’t see anything, but when the sun rises, we see everything. In the same way we sleep in the world in Maya, fully engaged in Moh (allurement and attachment of the senses) and so we do not know where God is. God is with me, in me. When we follow the path of spirituality and sit to the feet of the spiritual Master, to the feet of Biji, the feet of Gyan Guru, we can realize God. Then our eyes are open and we can see very easy in this body where God is. So this is the right body to meet God. Or in other words, we can meet God easily, if we know the right way. So it is not impossible to see God, it is possible, it is easy.

If we want to attain something in life, woman is playing an important role, a hidden role. Woman’s nature is to be at the side of man and to help him. A mother has great power. She is giving love to her child and teaches it the right way. Today we have seen a perfect woman: Biji. She is Sant Kirpal Singh’s true disciple. Also the founder of our organisation said that it is our Though such souls are physically with us, they are purpose to live as real man. Terrorists who are destroy- always connected with the Almighty Power. ing the world don’t understand religion. We should remember the one God, Khuda, and serve His mankind We all claim to be human beings. But man can be-

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come a devil or a true man, both is in our hands. If man has learned to become conscious, he can become one with God. Nobody is good or bad, we are all children of God. We have to cross a barrier; if we have done it, we can dive into the ocean. Then we are able to know how deep the ocean is.

think in unity, we can hand on truth and can bring this unity to the community. First help is self-control. We have forgotten who we are. God has given us life, but before we are able know God we have to know ourselves. We are the inhabitants of the body, not the body. We are the soul. Soul is like a little star. To see the soul we need the Third Eye. Soul lives in us, and also God lives in us. Here at the Third Eye is the seat of the soul.

In life happiness and sadness come, but we have to remain immerged in Him. Sometimes man is dispired and cries, “O God, do you have only sorrows This body is made of five elements. Atma, the soul, is for me? Why don’t you give grace?” Only when we light, sound, blissfulness. God will charge our batcome at the feet of the Saints, they show us the di- tery when we start remembering Him. It is our task rect way, otherwise our life is going zigzag. Once we to learn how to charge that battery. At Amrit Vela have accepted a Master, we have to go the way with we should meditate and repeat the Simran, then our full care. “O Man, you came in this world and live batteries are charged. We can solve all our problems therein, but you should not forget your way.” by doing that. If a problem occurs in our lives, we should not see it as a problem but as a chance to deTill now we were entangled in the circle of birth and velop. We can solve our problems only with the help death, but there is also a way back home. God is love of prayer. and love is God. True Saints can give a glance from within. We have forgotten our destination and live in duality. We live in the world, but one day we have to leave it. Mind is our enemy. It can turn to our friend, if we We do not know where we will go to. keep it occupied constantly and if we give food to our soul. Then mind will not disturb any more. Within us there is light and peace. Our real home is His home. We can play a role in the theatre of the All religions tell the same, we have to follow the one world, but we should not forget true religion, which way. is light and peace. We should love all and treat each other loveably. If we are thirsty and long for water, I congratulate Biji and all the co-workers, working we have to drink it ourselves, it is not enough watchhere to fulfil Master’s wish. ing others doing it. With God’s help we can develop all virtues. Rajyogi Brahmakumari Shakti Bhain Ji Peace be unto you all. This is a prayer to the Godpower.

Coming to Kirpal Sagar we feel a special Power working here. He has given us something, we got His love from inside, because we are celebrating Dr Harbhajan Singh’s birthday.

Respected Biji, co-workers and guests, today I have the possibility to speak to you and I am happy for having been invited to this place. How can peace arise in the world? God says, we were one and we will be one again. Why is a country divided? Because we have forgotten ourselves. If we

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Opening Ceremony of the new Exhibition in the Library On 10 December, Dr Harbhajan Singh’s birthday, all gathered to inaugurate the newly designed Library

The new exhibition illustrates by many pictures the biographies of Sant Kirpal Singh and Dr Harbhajan Singh, and in the same way documents the history of Unity of Man with its World Conferences in 1974, 1994, and 2007. Prayers, holy hymns and a short address by Mrs Surinder Kaur staged the beginning of the festivity.

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Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur Today we travel on the way of the highest spiritual knowledge; we have gathered here with the Rishis and Munis in order to open this place, which shows Sant Kirpal Singh’s highest way of spiritual knowledge. It is a nursery of spiritual knowledge where the flowers get the colour from the nectar of this well so that the coming generations can also attain this fragrance. All Sants and Mahatmas point out that we should enter the inner house. The outer knowledge keeps us outside. Master said, He gives us further His light. If there is no light in the house, the house is like dead. We should keep the house alive. When Bhaji got Master’s Parshad, Master said, “We should pray or read the Akanth Path (the reciting of the Guru Granth Sahib) in such a way that everyone is full of love and devotion.” If it is read with devotion and heard with devotion, heart and soul get purified. If we clean our body, but not our soul, it is of no use. If our heart, our mind is not pure, we cannot attain anything, even if we go on (reading the scriptures) the whole night. If we really understand even one word from Him, we are saved. At His time, Master used to write one verse on a paper and read it again and again during the day, and He lived according to it. Thereafter He was able to write the Gurmat Siddhant; in it He revealed His inner being. As long as the curtain of ego is not removed we cannot see God. We all are gathered here today to remove this curtain. Just now we heard the shell. What does it mean? It means, “O God, o inhabitant of Sach Khand (pure spiritual plane), we are standing before Your house, please accept us.” Then there was the sound of the bell. It means, “Please, forgive us all our shortcomings, do not look to the bad things in us, but open the door.” We are gathered here according to the sound of the bell, it is bringing His colour to us, so that we all become one. May He bless us all!

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After a further prayer the guests of honour together with Biji cut the ribbon at the entrance of the Library. Then she lead them through the exhibition.

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God bless you God bless you to know yourself and to know your Overself. God bless you to live for others. God bless you to overcome your mind and ego. God bless you with the Divine Love in you. God bless you with the hidden values in you. God bless you with your lost heritage in you. God bless you to be His messenger. God bless you to distribute His heritage. God bless you to meet a good end of your life. God bless you with eternal life.

Dr Harbhajan Singh

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Final Talk The closing of the World Conference on Unity of Man was celebrated by a speech of Mrs Biji Surinder Kaur

Dear Guru’s Sangat, sitting in Master’s remembrance.

the fault of others. Master said, when this is coming up in us, we should try to pray to Him, “O Master, don’t see my faults, give me the grace so that this pupil of the eyes should unite with You and my soul gets the contact with the God power and we unite forever.”

Today we are together on Bhaji’s birthday to attain His grace, His light and His knowledge. We were listening to all the Sant Mahatmas who told us about the inner nourishment of our life. But Dr Harbhajan Singh did get the ray of His light and gave it further. Whatever he used to tell, it was from his life. Then Hazur told (a parable) about a devotee who was tested by God with the help of a beggar: Today we are not only going to celebrate his birthday, it is the birthday of everybody who loves him. It A money lender was just lightening incense sticks should bring a change in our life. For a change in life, and doing his worship, when God sent someone in Sant Kirpal Singh started with the diary. Every day form of a beggar. When the servant told him that the diary is to be filled out so that our faults can be a beggar had reached, the man replied, “I have not brought out. even accomplished my worship, I have not done my meditation, how can I give him something?” Bhaji said, “It (the human form) is a muddy house, but on the other hand it is a glass palace where my The beggar replied, “I am not such a type of beggar Pritam (beloved) dwells. It is good, if I can purify who is begging at every house, I only beg from one myself from within as much as possible so that my so that I get sufficient of what I need for stilling my Master does not leave me even for a second.” hunger.” The money lender, a rich man, told the servant, “Is he still here – push him out.” But this servIt is very easy to say that the outgoing faculties are ant could feel something and hesitated to tell these used to perceive the outer things, just as our ears are words, but he had to say them because of his chief. So used to hear the outer sounds, but to hear something he politely told the beggar, “My owner is very strict, from within is something unique, it is the Sar Shabad you should go.” But the beggar was only there to take (which is audible inside). Looking outside the pupil the test. And when he was pushed, he shook out his of the eye sees the world, and we are used to see only clothes and said, “This play is in the hand of God, and

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Dr Harbhajan Singh, World Conference on Unity of Man, 6 February, 1994

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you do not know the play of God and what will hap- If we die, we should die in the house of Master (Inpen tomorrow. Today you are a rich man and nobody dian proverb meaning, when we die, we should be knows what will be tomorrow.” In this way God took inside with Him). Otherwise there is no use to die. the test. And in the end, the money lender became a We read the Gurbani and there is the light of Gurbeggar and the beggar became a money lender in the bani, but it is within, not outside. The light is within same courtyard, only the servant changed. Then the us. And when we do the Path (reading of the Guru beggar asked in the same way as the previous beggar, Granth Sahib), it is not for outside, it should be more “I am hungry, I need something.” The money lender for our inside. heard these words, but his inner eye was open. All the competent Masters who came into this world, We say easily that our eyes are open, (but it is not like like Guru Gobind Singh (told the same). There is this). We can go to pilgrimage places, pray the rosary one example of Guru Gobind Singh. He asked for a and do many things – if our Third Eye is not open, glass of water and then one young boy brought a very everything is just fake. When your Third Eye opens, clean, clear glass of water. He looked at the water and you will have the treasure of intoxication. And when asked him whether he ever had served his parents this condition comes, then it is like this: When you with water. The boy replied, “No.” So Guru Gobind close the eyes you are within, when you open the Singh did not drink the water. eyes you feel you are in the world. Master was asked whether the Saint is more dear or So the money lender heard the voice of the beggar and God, whether Hari is more dear or the Gurudev. He told the servant, “Bring him in, give him a bath, give replied, “I love the Saint because he makes us free him clothes to change and give him food, and don’t from the world. The Saints teach us the ethical life. let him go till I come.” And he completed his worship They teach us to get free from the bad deeds. And and then came to the beggar. The beggar stood up the Godpower gave us birth and sent us out into the and thanked him. The money lender said, “You are world and has given the fruit of our karma. (Saints not the beggar and I am not the money lender. You help us to go back,) For this Saints are among us and had pushed me out and so it came back to you. Now they see our condition.” it is finished.” This story Sant Kirpal Singh told in the Satsang in Pathankot and said, “Don’t hurt the heart We want to have a palace (we have so many wishes). of anybody, develop your life. Don’t give the knowl- I live under the will of God, whatever circumstances edge to others, take the knowledge within you.” come, good or bad times, I think He has made good for me. If something good happens, my eyes fill This is our body and the light is shining within. with tears since He had to do so much for me. And When the soul comes into the body, it gets lost in when I get problems, I feel that He clears my inner the world, because we create more and more wishes way. Whatever comes is according to His will. So we and are more attracted by outer things. Master said, should learn to lead a life like a Sadhu. “Everybody has doubts. As long as we have doubts and not purity, we are not able to develop within and Today we are all together on the birthday of Bhaji to meditate full of devotion with the help of Naam.” and it is also my prayer, “It is not only your birthday, it is our birthday. We want to work more, change our It is the subject to die while alive. It is the practice of fate.” We have many plans, but our fate stands laughlight and sound. Tomorrow there will be initiation. ing beside. We have to do what is according to His In the Satsang we can attain the condition of Sahaj will. We are all sitting together with His Grace, His (fully detached and full of devotion), the way of Sahaj, power. And all who are here, all the Sadhus, Mahatby pursuing which we attain the inner knowledge. mas who came, spoke about Sat Naam, Wahe Guru, they explained that all is one. When we learn to die daily, there is no fear of death.

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Closing Ceremony At noon of 11 December, the final ceremony of the World Conference on Unity of Man was held in the Sarovar with a Hindu tradition fire ceremony, the Havan Puja.

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May the words of Sant Kirpal Singh, when He began this work in 1974, be a message for ever: “The work of the Conference will be carried on much further, each time we see that God is working through our neighbour, our brother – through all men; each time we resist the temptation to consider our welfare ahead of that of our brother or sister; when we see that every human being we meet is a child of God. Our common aim should be to alleviate men’s suffering and reduce their separation. In that sense this Conference will never end.”

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