|
Ideas for Universal harmony
KRS Murthy
There are many beliefs, faiths, and religions around the world based
on diverse ways of interpreting the tenants based on the foundation of human, social and spiritual values. Apparently, similar
tenants of the different religions have also separated the people and the respective leaders. Instead, they should be unifying
the people of religions.
I have some ideas to bring the people of different religions together little at a time to
ultimately create harmony among diversity. The religions have created distance between each other for many centuries. It will
take many small steps to bring the people back closer. Here are some ideas to bring people closer.
One day at a time
Great journeys start with one step at a time. Even our life starts with one breath at a time and one day at a time.
The theme would be:
· Be a Christian one day
· Be a Jew one day
· Be a Buddhist one day
· Be
a Muslim one day
· Be a Jain one day
· Be a Sikh one day
· Be a Hindu one day
These are only examples.
We can add any religion to this list and lists in the remainder of the article.
This idea requires a host family
for the religion, a host organization and a host place of worship. The host would contact the willing participant from any
religion and explain ahead of time what to expect on the day. The host would provide all the necessary support. This may include
books to read, tapes to hear, videos to watch, religious costumes to wear and information on diet. The participant is given
complete freedom to choose the parts acceptable and specially those that are not acceptable. Simple, yet very important,
reasons might include diet. A Muslim or Jew may not like to eat pork. A Hindu or Buddhist may want to restrict to vegetarian
food. Firstly, Jain religion requires strict vegetarianism. Additionally, a Jain does not eat any vegetable grown underground.
This includes vegetables like Potatoes, Onions and Garlic. It is very important to be sensitive to the religious practices
of the participant. In fact, it indirectly creates awareness of some aspects of the participants religion in the host, host
family and organization. Most importantly, proper preparation eliminates any unnecessary surprises.
The participant
may stay over with the host family the night before the day so that participation could truly start bright and early. Many
religions have religious activity the moment one opens their eyes waking up from sleep. The host family carefully and delicately
explains any activities, with a demonstration, so that it is very clear to the participant. As many people following a given
religion may not know the foundations, history or reasoning behind many practices, it is wise to make a note of what cant
be explained immediately, because of lack of hosts understanding. The host can do needed research later and bring the information
back to the participant on a later date. Please note that this also helps the host and the members of the host family to learn
many things taken for granted. The participant with an unbiased look at the hosts religion may help for healthy clarifications.
Please note that the participant may also choose only to observe and not decide to practice any one or all aspects
of the host religion. The key is not necessarily practice, but awareness.
The participant goes through every aspect
of the host religion for the whole day, to include breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as any snacks and drinks. Respecting
the participants diet choices and restrictions makes way for reciprocal understanding. It would be wise to discuss the items,
contents and cooking processes much before the day so that the participant does not end up starving on any part of the day.
For example, a day of fasting for a Muslim, Hindu, Jain or Buddhist may not be suitable for any participant.
The
participant might also make notes of the activities of the day. It may be a good idea to take photographs and videos of the
day, for later discussions. Another use of the photos and videos would be for another participant to learn before taking participation
on another day. It is a good idea to choose special religious days so that the participant gets to see the colorful aspects
not to be enjoyed days.
It is also extremely important if the participant and the host could exchange their roles
on another day so that there is true mutual awareness between the two people. One can choose to visit place of worship that
may take part of the day instead of a full day.
There are a lot of cultural practices embedded in religious practices
and aspects. So, this interaction between the host and the participant would also create mutual understanding of the cultural
aspects also.
The practices of the same religion may have variance depending on the country or geographical parts
of the world. In case of Hindu religion, there are lot variations in practice that depends on numerous factors to include:
The state in India
The caste or sub caste
Village or city or a major metropolis
Parts of the same state
may vary
Hindus settled in different countries have different variations
Please note that the variations apply
to other religions in India. The practices of a Christian, Muslim, Jain or Buddhist may vary between different parts of India.
Ideas for Universal Awareness and Harmony of Religions
Around the World
I have some ideas for increasing the universal awareness and harmony between different religions
in India, USA and all parts of the world.
Please feel free to contact me at:
Dr. KRS Murthy
(408)-219-2236
geniuspoet@hotvoice.com
Question: Where do you get your ideas?
Paul: I try to draw my idea from real life as much as possible, such as things
I notice on the street or conversations I overhear.
Q: What has the response been to your most recent installation?
Paul: Most people have been very disturbed by it. Death
threats aside, I feel this is a good thing.
|
 |
|
