The Unity Forum of the Indogenic Religions – Hindu Buddhist, Jain and Sikh sponsored by the London Sevashram Sangha as its Millennium project in the year 2000 entered its 17th anniversary with an inspiring lecture and cultural programme on Sunday 3rd July, that was attended by 150 people of all faith groups at the London Buddhist Vihara in Chiswick, London W4.
Dr Desmond Biddulph the President of the Buddhist Society was the Chief Guest and shared his view on 'Achieving peace of mind from the perspective of the indogenic religions'. Dr Biddhulp is the author of “1001 Pearls of Buddhist Wisdom” and “Teachings of the Buddha” and often speaks on topics such as Happiness, Mindfulness and sharing Buddhist philosophies.
The event was expertly compered by young MCs: Rajeeb Dey who was recently awarded an MBE on Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday, Chameli Singh and Nealanjan Ray. The first half of the programme comprised of respected leaders from the different faith groups sharing their perspectives. This year’s speakers were Rev Seelawimala (Head of the London Buddhist Vihara); Sister Samani Unnata Pragya (representing the Jain Community); Ajit Singh MBE (from the Sikh Community) and Swami Nirliptananda (Founder of Om Day and Head of the London Sevashram Sangha)
As Mr Singh commented the illustrious panellists were like ‘ever-lit lighthouses’ illuminating the audience with their perspectives on achieving peace of mind and seeking happiness.
Swami Nirliptananda explained that “in the Indogenic religions there is a great deal of focusing on the mind. They have realised that we are what our mind is and therefore to take care of the mind is to take care of our whole life.” He proceeded to say that “the basic problem is that we do not know how the mind functions and what causes it to function in a particular way. Unless we understand this we are like helpless animals taken to a slaughter house. We do not realise that we ourselves are the causes for the mind to function in the way it does.”
It’s fitting to therefore see the proliferation of the notion of ‘mindfulness’ and recognition of the benefits of meditation and yoga in Western society, with the UN resolution on International Day of Yoga held on 21st June 2016.
Despite coming from different religions the message from all speakers was consistent. It was clear from all that we ourselves hold the power to happiness and peace of mind through meditation, morality and being “ambassadors of peace” (as Samani Unnata Pragya stated).
The speeches were followed by the cultural programme where we were treated to dance and vocal performances by the youth group from the London Buddhist Vihara. This was followed by performances from Clive Bell’s young students – a famous flutist and devotees from the London Sevashram Sangha including vocal performances from Mr Dhanpaul with Shaun Sukhu on the tabla and Mrs Punita Gupta, renowned music teacher who was accompanied by her talented students.
The 17th Om Day celebrations were a resounding success and showcased the commonalities in thinking between Indogenic religions. At such tumultuous times like these we need more focus than ever before in achieving peace of mind which in turn I hope will result in a more peaceful society.
