WORLD ALLIANCE OF RELIGIONS

A VAISHNAVA SPIRITUAL MASTER IN WORLD 
ALLIANCE OF RELIGIONS FOR PEACE SUMMIT

http://warpsummit2014.org - Last week, from 17 to 18 September 2014, a Vaishnava spiritual master, Srila Bhakti Aloka Paramadvaiti, direct disciple of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, participated in The World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Summit (“WARP Summit”), which was held in Seoul, South Korea. This event was hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (“HWPL”), and its two subsidiary organisations, the International Women’s Peace Group (“IWPG”), and the International Peace Youth Group (“IPYG”). 
The WARP Summit was first and foremost a meeting held between different leaders of the world, including prominent figures in both secular and spiritual sectors of society, in order to discuss and share insights on how to achieve world peace. The summit was being organised in the hopes of creating a platform for dialogue between community leaders on national, cultural, spiritual, and ethnic levels.

Such dialogue will pave the way to the creation of a universally applicable value system, reflected and implemented across all perceived social boundaries through an international law designed to eliminate war-activity from our world. In order to achieve this goal, the summit had two focal points. 
First, it took place the discussion and signing of an agreement for cooperation between leaders of essentially secular communities (countries, cultural, and ethnic groups).  Secondly, there were a discussion with religious leaders regarding the ways in which to align the fundamental value systems of each represented religious teaching such that its doctrines might no longer be used to promote violent behaviour. This unified system of values, applicable to all religious systems, is what HWPL refers to as the World Alliance of Religions, or the unification of religion.

Days ago, a Vaishnava spiritual master, participated in The World Alliance of Religions’ Peace Summit (“WARP Summit”), which was held in Seoul. Srila B. A. Paramadvaiti Swami, founder of the “Vrinda Family”, was invited to go to South Korea in order to join many other religious leaders around the world in this historic event organized by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light ("HWPL"). This is an international organization, with headquarters in Seoul, Republic of Korea (South Korea), whose mandate it is to see the cessation of wars. It pursues this goal through a number of avenues, namely the International Peace Youth Group ("IPYG"), and the International Women’s Peace Group ("IWPG"). "Without proper and friendly discussion, the social boundaries of ethnicity, culture, nationality, religion, and language will continue to pose a threat to the security of our future, as these differences are easily exploited to encourage violent behaviour." ... "Our work is motivated by a unique vision for peace centering on the establishment of a new and universally applicable set of values. This is the heavenly culture - something which has been promised to man through every religious and ideological ideal, " explains Man Hee Lee, Chairman, of HWPL. Such an alliance of ideologies, which until now have been responsible to an untold number of conflicts, would enable us to leave a legacy of peace and life to future generations instead of the death and war which now besets our world, say the organizers of this global event for peace.  This kind of international meetings for World Peace will help cementing the bonds of unity, harmony and brotherhood. These goals can easily be achieved when we realize that we are all spiritual beings in material bodies, all children of God and we should not be forced to adhere fanatically to religious or ideological restrictions which only make humans to stay away from each other. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Every individual has his peculiar nature distinct form any other. So, obviously individuals will vary in their opinions and tastes and this is quite natural. It is an unnatural thing to attempt forcibly to engage individuals into one fold, faith or particular ideology.  ... So long as people do not understand that they are inseparably connected, and until the activities of the people are God-centered, mere sentimentalism or fictitious ideas will not be able to foster real love amongst individuals. If we know that the infliction of harm to other animate beings is detrimental to our own interest and will bring harm in return, we will not be encouraged to harm any individual, nay even any sentient being of the world. If we can love the Absolute Whole, I mean the Godhead, we cannot have the impetus to injure any of His parts. So, according to me or the teaching of Lord Gauranga, Divine Love is the best solution of all the problems of the world.

Śrīla Bhakti Dayita Madhava Mahārāja :
“Realistic Solution for Diverse Humanity”
Speech at a ‘Spiritual Summit Conference’ - 1968 Calcutta.
http://www.sreecgmath.org/scgmtimes/scgmsbdm.php

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

HOW MALALA LEFT A LATE-SHOW HOST SPEECHLESS

HOW MALALA, TEEN ACTIVIST,
MADE JON STEWART'S JAW DROP

- Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot by the Taliban in 2012 for speaking out about girls’ education rights, has been interviewed by Jon Stewart for The Daily Show. Malala Yousafzai sat down with Stewart to talk about her views on education and terrorism and how she plans to continue her fight to open up classrooms for girls all over the globe. Stewart was quick to praise Yousafzai’s new book and express how privileged he felt to meet her. But it was the moment when she talked about how she would react to the terrorist who wanted to take her life that shook him most. The Nobel Peace Prize nominee said that when she learned she was a target while living in Pakistan, she often thought about how she would react if she found herself face-to-face with a terrorist. At first, she thought she would fight back. But then she realized, she could not stoop to his level.

“If you hit a Talib, then there would be no difference between you and the Talib,” she said. “You must not treat others with cruelty … You must fight others through peace and through dialogue and through education.” Once she decided she could not respond with violence, Yousafzai thought about what she would say to a terrorist. “I would tell him how important education is and that I would even want education for your children as well. That’s what I want to tell you,” she envisioned saying, “now do what you want.” 
After Stewart collected his thoughts, he made a pretty bold offer. “I know your father is backstage and he’s very proud of you,” Stewart said. “But would he be mad if I adopted you?” We were kind of thinking the same thing. We can't all adopt Malala, but we can support her fight for global education at the Malala Fund.

Jon Stewart is an American political satirist, television host and media critic, and he isn’t easily impressed. But last week, a 16-year-old Pakistani activist left this late-show host speechless when she talked about girls’ education rights and their implications in regard to poverty, health and basic human rights. One year after of being shot in the head by the Taliban she has recovered and dedicated herself to spur concrete action to provide compulsory education for young people worldwide. The Nobel Peace Prize contender explained that she does not want to take revenge on the man who shot her, because this would put her on the same level as the attacker. By contrast, she hopes to convince the man who tried to kill her on the importance of education, specially of providing education opportunities for girls and planning a different future for all. This teen has demonstrated the value of forgiving enemies. The person who lives thinking of retaliate fills his spirit of revenge; has his heart full of anger and is always restless with his mind constantly burning of hatred. (Editor's note).

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Indian saints have classified the nature of human beings in three broad groups-'Sattvika', 'Rajasika' and 'Tamasika'. Sattvika people are wise, sincere, generous and non violent. As such they have an altruistic mentality and render disinterested (non-motivated) service. Rajasika people are egoists. However they are active and do good to others with the motive of getting a return of their actions for self-aggrandizement. They won't tolerate harm to themselves. They have got the spirit of taking revenge. Tamasika people are indolent, out and out egoists and of violent temper. They are indiscriminate in their pursuit of enjoyment, they completely disregard the interest of others and will do anything to fulfill their selfish desires. So ,'Sattvika', 'Rajasika" and 'Tamasika' people vary in their tastes, habits and nature.

Śrīla Bhakti Dayita Madhava Mahārāja :
“Realistic Solution for Diverse Humanity”
Speech at a ‘Spiritual Summit Conference’ 
1968 Calcutta - Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math
http://www.sreecgmath.org/scgmtimes/scgmsbdm.php

Published by dasavatara das - “Vedic Views on World News”
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

PROMOTING PEACE AND TOLERANCE AMONG RELIGIONS

RELIGIOUS LEADERS GATHER TO
PROMOTE TOLERANCE, UNDERSTANDING

www.mywesttexas.com - In an effort to promote peace and tolerance, leaders from different religious backgrounds met last month in Midland, Texas, USA for an interfaith discussion. St. Nicholas' Episcopal Church played host to leaders of the Baptist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Mormon faiths, and more than a hundred listeners. All of the religious leaders explained about their faith and what role it plays in the day-to-day lives of people all over the world. 
The Muslim faith was represented on stage by Imam Wazir Ali, of Houston.  "It was the plan of God that the world is a pluralistic place," said the iman Ali. "What he wants us to do instead of looking at pluralism and diversity as a problem, is look at it as an opportunity to benefit from the genius of other human beings and other cultures." 

The leaders spoke about how the different faiths can co-exist peaceably in today's world to complex issues such as what each religion teaches about death, resurrection and an afterlife. Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, of Kauai's Hindu Monastery, explained that his faith does not teach about resurrection. The resurrection is such a foreign concept in the Hindu faith that he took time to explain the basis of it to people in the audience who might not recognize the term or know its meaning.
"This idea of the resurrection is focused on what's going to happen to the body, ... where the Hindu idea is focused on not the body, but the soul," he said. Also participating in the discussion were the Rev. Randel Everett, of First Baptist Church; Rabbi Holy Levin Cohn, of Temple Beth El in Odessa; and Jerry Zant, stake president of the Odessa Texas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Much of the messages - from all religions - had tones of tolerance, love, acceptance and harmony. Despite differing views on the specifics, all leaders seemed in agreement on the existence of a higher power and that power's desire for humans to live peacefully and in harmony, always caring for the needs of others. The most important thing that comes from the annual Interfaith Event is the effort for “sharing of knowledge and ideas, a quest for the truth,” said Adam Syed, a member of the Muslim Association of West Texas. We should encourage tolerance and reduce misconceptions of unfamiliar religions and traditions.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

A sense of common interest can be fostered among individuals, if they know that they are inter-connected, are parts of one Organic System and are the sons and daughters of one Father.  Here is the task of all religions; to teach people that all beings of the world are closely inter-related.   Although steadfastness or firm belief in God (Nistha) according to some particular faith and eligibility of the individual is congenial for healthy spiritual growth of every individual, religious bigotry which begets enmity is condemnable, as it is against the real interest of the individual and society.  Real religion teaches love for one another.

Śrīla Bhakti Dayita Madhava Mahārāja :
“Realistic Solution for Diverse Humanity”
Speech at a ‘Spiritual Summit Conference’ - 1968 Calcutta.
Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math -  http://www.sreecgmath.org/scgmtimes/scgmsbdm.php

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

CHRISTIANS TAKE TO STREETS OVER RIOTS

CHRISTIANS CLASH WITH PAKISTANI 
AFTER HOMES BURNED BY MUSLIM MOB

www.foxnews.com - Hundreds of Christians protesting the burning of their homes by a Muslim mob over alleged blasphemous remarks made against the Islam's Prophet Muhammad clashed with police on Sunday in eastern and southern Pakistan. Around 150 people have been arrested for setting dozens of Christian houses on fire in the eastern city of Lahore after a non-Muslim was accused of making offensive comments about the prophet, police said. 
Christians across the country rallied against the incident, but the main demonstrations were in Lahore, the southern port city of Karachi, the capital, Islamabad, and the adjoining city of Rawalpindi. The Christian demonstrators blocked a main highway in Lahore and police fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters who demanded assistance from the government. Protesters damaged several vehicles, uprooted a fence along the road and burned an electricity generator.

The police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd, detained six of the protesters, while seven policemen were injured when the protesters pelted them with stones. In Karachi, more than 1,000 protesters blocked a road in a main market and damaged about 25 vehicles. Some of the protesters also attacked 10 shops and looted valuables and cash. The police beat back the protesters and fired tear gas shells to disperse them. At least two protesters were taken into custody, he said. 
The protests are a response to an incident that began on Friday after a Muslim accused a Christian man of blasphemy - an offense that in Pakistan is punished by life in prison or death. On Saturday, a mob of angry Muslims rampaged through the Christian neighborhood in Lahore, burning about 170 houses. The Christian man is in police custody pending an investigation into the allegations. Those who rioted are being investigated for alleged arson, robbery, theft, and terrorism.

Christians demonstrated in cities around Pakistan to protest after a mob torched more than 100 Christian homes following allegations of blasphemy. More than 3,000 people rampaged through Joseph Colony, a Christian area of Lahore, on Saturday after allegations that a Christian had made derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) three days earlier. Around 300 Christian protesters have been arrested, police said, for pelting them with stones and damaging public property during the protest demonstration. Civil society organizations and human rights activists demand that the now homeless Christian community of Joseph Colony be provided effective protection by the Punjab Government, along with immediate reconstruction, rehabilitation, relief goods and full compensation for all losses suffered.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

A sense of common interest can be fostered among individuals, if they know that they are inter-connected, are parts of one Organic System and are the sons and daughters of one Father. Here is the task of all religions; to teach people that all beings of the world are closely inter-related.  Although steadfastness or firm belief in God (Nistha) according to some particular faith and eligibility of the individual is congenial for healthy spiritual growth of every individual, religious bigotry which begets enmity is condemnable, as it is against the real interest of the individual and society.  Real religion teaches love for one another.  Lord Śrī Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu propagated the cult of all-embracing Divine Love which brings universal brotherhood on a transcendental plane.

Śrīla Bhakti Dayita Madhava Mahārāja :
“Realistic Solution for Diverse Humanity”
Speech at a ‘Spiritual Summit Conference’ 
1968 Calcutta - Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math -  http://www.sreecgmath.org/scgmtimes/scgmsbdm.php

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/

UN: 600 KILLED IN SOUTH SUDAN UNREST

DEATH TOLL PASSES 600 FROM RAID
IN SOUTH SUDAN, U.N. CALLS FOR TALKS

(CNN) - The U.N. on Monday called for reconciliation in the newly-established Republic of South Sudan after fighting reportedly left at least 600 dead and at least 26,000 cattle stolen.  The Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General, Hilde F. Johnson urged restraint Monday after fighting between the Murle and Lou Nuer communities in Jonglei State, killed at least 600 and left more than 750 wounded.  Clashes broke out early Thursday morning and lasted through the day, South Sudan authorities reported.  The U.N. on Friday dispatched an assessment and verification team to two of the conflict areas.  The team found 28 casualties at one site and 30 at another along with a number of huts burned to the ground, said Aleem Siddique, spokesman for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. 

The violence occurred when members of the Murle tribe attacked villages of the Lou Nuer, Siddique said.  Though the violence had largely stopped, reconciliation efforts were needed to maintain the peace, he said.  “Peaceful dialogue is the primary means for reconciliation, and the tribal leaders need to sit down and work out their differences.”  Between January and the end of June 2011, nearly 2,400 people had died in 330 clashes across South Sudan, according to a July U.N. report.  Most of these casualties resulted from cattle rustling incidents in Jonglei State's Pibor County.  Cattle rustling is a main source of insecurity in South Sudan as cows represent wealth and social status, and are used as “blood money” or compensation and payment of dowries.  Sticks and spears have historically been used to carry out rustling and the violent disputes it often causes.  However, the proliferation of small arms changed the nature of this practice, making raiding far more deadly.

The United Nations says tribal fighting in South Sudan's Jonglei state has killed at least 600 people since Thursday.  The U.N. mission said there are reports that at least 750 others have been injured.  The fighting stems from a cattle and land dispute between the Murle tribe and the Lou-Nuer tribe and this new retaliatory attack has raised fears of ethnic instability on the deeply impoverished country.  The U.N. said that the cycle of violence must stop, and called for reconciliation efforts.  Unless people understand that we are inseparably connected, whether they are poor or rich, there will be always fight for land, riches and women.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US?

To determine the root-cause of unrest we ought first to determine the meaning of the self. I strongly believe, that ignorance of our real-self is the cause of unrest, discord and anxiety. ... It has already been stated that differences in the individuals are unavoidable as they are conscious units.  Now the problem is to find a common ground and interest for the solution of these differences. A sense of common interest can be fostered among individuals, if they know that they are inter-connected, are parts of one Organic System and are the sons and daughters of one Father. ... Unless and until the eternal relationship of the people is known to them and they realize that they cannot exist and be happy without the Godhead, Who is All-Bliss, the natural inclination of the people towards the Godhead and diversion of their attention from the material aspects of life cannot be effected.

Śrīla Bhakti Dayita Madhava Mahārāja :
“Realistic Solution for Diverse Humanity”
Speech at a ‘Spiritual Summit Conference’ - 1968 Calcutta.
http://www.sreecgmath.org/scgmtimes/scgmsbdm.php
Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math - www.sreecgmath.org