youth interfaith pilgrimage brochure
DESCRIPTION
The Youth Interfaith Pilgrimage programme seeks to provide space for young participants to embrace religious diversity, build cross-cultural understanding and encourage spiritual growth through first-hand exploration of different faith traditions.TRANSCRIPT
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NINTH YOUTH INTERFAITH PILGRIMAGE
PROGRAMME 2012
SOUTH INDIA
2nd – 16th May 2012
Foundation for Universal
Responsibility of His Holiness The Dalai Lama
An initiative to provide insight into religious diversity, build
cross-cultural understanding and encourage spiritual growth
Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness The Dalai Lama Core 4A, UGF, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003
Tel: (91) (11) 24648450 ∫ Fax: Tel: (91) (11) 24648451 Email: [email protected] ∫ Website: www.furhhdl.org
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"To meet the challenges of our times, I believe that humanity must
develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must
learn to work not just for our own individual self, family or nation,
but for the benefit of all mankind.
Today we are so interdependent, so closely interconnected with each
other, that without a sense of universal responsibility, a feeling of
universal brotherhood and sisterhood, and an understanding and belief
that we really are a part of one big human family, we cannot hope to
overcome the dangers to our very existence – let alone bring about
peace and happiness."
- His Holiness The Dalai Lama
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CONTENTS
About the Foundation 4
Programme Overview 6
Programme Details 7
Spiritual Film Festival 15
Join us 19
Write to us 20
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"This Foundation will implement projects to benefit people
everywhere, focusing especially on assisting nonviolent methods, on
improving communications between religion and science, on
securing human rights and democratic freedoms, and on conserving
and restoring our precious Mother Earth."
– His Holiness The Dalai Lama
VISION
Foster the celebration of diversity, the spirit of universal responsibility and
the understanding of interdependence across faiths, creeds and religions.
Support personal transformation in ways that facilitate larger processes of
social change.
Develop and sustain peace building and coexistence initiatives in regions
of violent conflict and social unrest.
Encourage and cultivate Ahimsa (nonviolence) as a guiding principle for
interaction among human beings and with their environments.
Offer inclusive and holistic paradigms of education that prioritize
experiential learning, cross-cultural dialogue, and a global ethic of peace
and justice.
Build capacity for conflict transformation, human rights and democratic
freedom through partnerships with civil society groups across the globe.
Explore new frontiers on understanding of the mind by building bridges
between science and spirituality.
Support the professional development of future leaders and decision-
makers through scholarships and fellowships.
Create media products and educational materials that promote the
objectives of the Foundation.
Nurture an understanding of the relevance and value of Tibetan
civilisational heritage to contemporary issues and predicaments.
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MISSION
To promote universal responsibility in a manner that respects difference
and encourages a diversity of beliefs, practices and approaches.
To build a global ethic of nonviolence, coexistence, gender equity and
peace by facilitating secular processes that cultivate personal and social
ethical values.
To enrich educational paradigms that tap the transformative potential of
the human mind.
The Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama is a not for profit, non-sectarian, non-denominational
organization established with the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to
His Holiness in 1989 . In the spirit of the Charter of the United
Nations, the Foundation brings together men and women of
different faiths, professions and nationalities, through a range of
initiatives and mutually sustaining collaborations.
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The Youth Interfaith Pilgrimage programme seeks to provide space for young
participants to embrace religious diversity, build cross-cultural understanding
and encourage spiritual growth through first-hand exploration of different faith
traditions.
The fourteen-day programme involves visits to religious centres across South
India. It will start from Bengaluru and move on to Mysuru, Shravanbelagola
and Bylakuppe. Two days will be spent at each centre. The first day will be
dedicated to lectures/discussions on each faith and the second day will be spent
in attending prayers. Sessions will be conducted and coordinated by the centres
as per a pre-determined schedule after consultation with the Foundation. The
centres may conduct guided tours of the place and visits to their respective
places of worship.
Participants are requested to bring modest clothing and prepare themselves
with a basic understanding of each faith prior to the commencement of the
programme. As per the norms of the tour, participants are requested to read the
application form very carefully and stick to the fundamental instructions.
However, there are no rigid directives, and participants are requested to be
understanding and open-hearted.
Modest accommodation will be provided at each centre with vegetarian meals,
unless otherwise arranged at nearby commercial areas. The group will travel
together and use local transport, as the centres are within a relatively small
geographical area. During the programme transportation, accommodation and
meals will be arranged by the Foundation and the group will be escorted by a
staff member. During the pilgrimage, some places require extensive walking to
reach the destination, and we prefer applicants to be physically fit. Should the
participants require further information, please do contact us.
Reporting Information:
Report on 2 May, 2 pm, at Tibetan SOS TCV Youth Hostel
No. 7, Sampangiramaiah Garden, Srinivagalu Viveknagar Post, Bengaluru-47
Tel :(91) (80)22720497/22720495/22720494
Mobile :(91) 9886355156 ( Mr Dhondup)
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MEDITATION AND YOGA
3 - 9 MAY, 6 - 7 AM
Venue: Tibetan SOS TCV Youth Hostel
By: Choe Khor Sum Ling Centre
Ashwini, No. 24, 1st floor, 3rd Main
Street, Domlur Layout 1st stage
Bangalore - 560 071
www.cksl.in
(91) 9886082419
(91) (080) 414 864 97
The main philosophy of yoga is simple: mind, body and spirit are one and
cannot be clearly separated. Yet there is a multitude of philosophical ideas
developed by looking into the deeper dimensions of the body, mind and spirit.
“ …..The best time for practicing meditation is in the morning, in a quiet place, when
the mind is very clear and alert. It helps not to have eaten to much the night before nor
to sleep too much; this makes the mind lighter and sharper the next morning. Gradually
the mind will become more and more stable; mindfulness and memory will become
clearer”.
– His Holiness The Dalai Lama
SPIRITUAL FILM SCREENINGS*
3 - 8 MAY and 11 – 14 MAY, 7.30 PM
Venue:
Tibetan SOS TCV Youth Hostel and Choe Khor Sum Ling Centre,Jain Math
(Shravanbelagola), Sera Jey Monastery (Bylakuppe)
* Please read synopsis, timing and film details at spiritual film festival section
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ISLAM
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
3 - 4 MAY
Islamic Voice
Vivek Nagar Post Office
Bangalore - 560 047
www.islamicvoice.com
(91) (80) 40443636
Mr. Riyaz: (91) 9845043805
Topics:
Background to Muslims in India, concept of God and purpose of life, Sharia
Law – two sources of guidance, basic beliefs and practices, adhan (call to
prayer), visit mosque and presentation, concept of Jihad and Islam and
terrorism, video – ‘This is Islam’, worship in Islam – articles of faith,
brotherhood and the concept of Ummah, women in Islam, Islam and science –
video clipping, pillars of Islam, Shahadah, Salat, Saum, Zakat, Hajj, etiquette
and manners, Muslims and environment, Islamic art and heritage, Islam in the
West, Shia and Sunni sects among Muslims.
"O mankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and
tribes that you may know and honor each other (not that you should despise one
another). Indeed the most honorable of you in the sight of God is the most righteous."
(Quran, 49:13)
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CHRISTIANITY
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
5 – 6 MAY
Student Christian
Movement of India
# 29, 2nd Cross, CSI Compound
Mission Road
Bangalore - 560027
www.scmindia.org
(91) (080) 22215606, 22223761
Topics:
What is Christianity and what do Christians believe, understanding the Trinity
(the Son, the Father and the Holy Ghost), Jesus of Nazareth, Christian morality,
Christianity and other religions, Church history and Christian denominations,
Christianity basics, Christian beliefs, Christian books, Christianity charts,
Christian denominations, Christian history, Christian holidays, Christian
people, Christian practices, Christian texts, Christian symbols, Christian social
values, customs and practices, visit church and attend Sunday Mass.
"If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but
shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?"
1 John 3:17 (NLT)
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the
second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other
commandment greater than these.”
The Bible (Mark 12:30-31)
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SIKHISM
MONDAY AND TUESDAY
7 – 8 MAY
Sri Guru Singh Sabha Karnataka
Sikh Welfare Society
Ulsoor
Bangalore - 560008
www.sgssbangalore.com
(91) 9686678431
(91) 9844019711
Topics:
Who and what is a Sikh, philosophy, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, history and
practices, the significance as well as translations of various banis of the Gurus,
the similarities and differences between Sikhism and other major religions in
existence during the times of the Gurus, women in Sikhism, gurdwaras, the
Khalsa, Rehat Maryada, religious emblems, ceremonies and festivals, visit to
gurdwara and attend gathering, Golden Temple, Sikh way of life, Sikh youth,
Sikh warriors, Sikh martyrs, Sikh women, famous Sikhs, Sikh ethics, Sikh
prayers, Punjabi cuisine, Sikh matrimonial, Europeans in Sikh history.
“Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the common religious scripture of all…. Sikhs have been
unsuccessful in making the world know about their religious scripture. Today,
humanity is in dire need of Guru Granth Sahib’s peaceful and loving message.”
Archer, author of the book, Sikh Faith
As fragrance abides in the flower
As reflection is within the mirror,
So does your Lord abide within you,
Why search for him without ?
Guru Nanak
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HINDUISM*
WEDNESDAY, 9 MAY
Chinmaya Mission Bangalore
Deenabandhu Devasthanam
CMH Road, Indiranagar
Bangalore - 560 038
www.chinmayamission.com
(91) (80) 25282207
Topics:
Vedas, Upanishads, Purana, other primary texts, epics, Mahabharata,
Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta, modern books, about Dharma, history,
beliefs, concept of God, Devas and Avatars, Karma and Samsara, objectives of
human life, Yoga, practices, rituals, pilgrimage, festivals, scriptures, shruti,
smriti, ashrama, monasticism, varna, ahimsa, vegetarianism and other food
customs, Chinmaya order of monasticism, visit the temple and attend evening
prayers.
“Hinduism…..gave itself no name, because it set itself no sectarian limits; it claimed no
universal adhesion, asserted no sole infallible dogma, set up no single narrow path or
gate of salvation; it was less a creed or cult than a continuously enlarging tradition of
the God ward endeavor of the human spirit. An immense many-sided and many staged
provision for a spiritual self-building and self-finding, it had some right to speak of itself
by the only name it knew, the eternal religion, Santana Dharma….”
Sri Aurobindo
"Hindu religion does not consist in struggles and attempts to believe a certain doctrine
or dogma, but in realizing not in believing, but in being and becoming."
Swami Vivekananda
*Leave for Krishnamurti Foundation India, Bengaluru, in the evening
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SPIRITUALISM
THURSDAY, 10 MAY
Krishnamurti Foundation India
Valley School Campus
17th Km Kanakpura Road
Thatguni Post
Bangalore – 560062
www.kfistudy.org
(91) (80) 2843-5243
Topics:
Is it possible to live an orderly life in this chaotic world? Do I know myself?
Harmony in relationship, to listen, to look, to learn! What is right action? Why
do I resist change? Freedom from Fear. Youth Gathering: What are you doing
with your Life? Silence, stillness, editation (four days), ending of conflict,
freedom, responsibility and discipline, what is a religious mind?
"To be clear in one’s intentions is quite an arduous task; intention is as a flame,
ceaselessly urging one to understand. Be clear in your intentions and you will see,
things will work out. To be clear in the present is all that one needs, but it is not quite
so easy as it sounds. One has to clear the field for the new seed and once the seed is
planted, its own vitality and strength creates the fruit and the seed."
- Pupul Jayakar’s Biography, Chapter 23
“Total negation is the essence of the positive. When there is negation of all those things
that thought has brought about psychologically, only then is there love, which is
compassion and intelligence.”
J. Krishnamurti
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JAINISM*
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
11-12 MAY
Jain Math
SDJMI Managing Committee
Shravanbelagola
Hassan District
www.mahamasthakabhisheka.com
(91) (8176) - 257226,257235, 257259
Topics:
Jain View of life/karma, Jainism, a treatise on Jainism, ten virtues of monks,
twelve reflections or bhavnas, twelve vows of laypersons, fourteen auspicious
dreams, five bodies and eight vargnas, five great vows (Maha-vratas), six
universal substances (Dravyas), meaning of Ashta Prakari Puja, nine tattvas
(principles), Prakrit script, Jain texts, main principles, core beliefs, nonviolence
in thought and practice, concept of karma, shedding of past karmas (nirjara),
tirthankaras, cosmology, customs and practices, pacifism, meditation,
monasticism, vegetarianism, fasting, rules of complete fast, types of fasting,
worship and rituals, preparation for prayer, Dev Shastra Guru Puja (prayer for
Arihants/Siddhas, scriptures, and teachers), festivals, history, geographical
spread and influence, denominations, symbolism, culture, contributions to
Indian culture, literature, constitutional status in India, Jainism and other
religions, guided pilgrimage of Shravanbelagola temples and caves.
“Dharma has been the foundation of the Indian culture”.
Sri Swasthishree Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji
*Leave early morning by bus to Shravanbelagola
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TOUR* *Leave early morning by bus to Bylakuppe
SUNDAY, 13 MAY
Tibetan Children’s Village School Bylakuppe, www.tcv.org.in, Tibetan Old
People’s Home, Karuna Home for the Disabled, www.karunahome.org,
Namdroling Golden Temple, www.namdroling.org, Namdroling Nunnery,
Tibetan Organic Farming Centre, Sera Jey Monastery,
www.serajeymonastery.org, Sera Mey Monastery, www.serameymonastery.org
BUDDHISM*
MONDAY AND TUESDAY
14-15 MAY
Sera-Jey Monastic University for
Advanced Buddhist Studies and
Practice
P.O. Bylakuppe – 571104
Hunsur District
www.serajeymonastery.org
(91) 9845350537
(91) (8223) 258435, 258035
Topics:
Introduction to Buddhism in general, introduction to Tibetan Buddhism,
Buddhism and society, relevance and role of religion (interfaith) in 21st century,
introduction to Buddhist meditation, Buddhism in our daily life, uniqueness of
Buddhism from other faiths, sharing, individual experiences, concept of
Shunyata (emptiness), Tibetan monastic system, history of Buddhism, the four
noble truths, eight-fold path, tour to debate session, tour around Sera
Monastery.
“There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my
heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness.”
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
*Wednesday, 16 May: End of Programme
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SPIRITUAL FILM SCREENINGS*
3 - 8 MAY AND 11 – 14 MAY, 7:30 PM
Venue:
Tibetan SOS TCV Youth Hostel and Choe Khor Sum Ling Centre, Jain Math
Shravanbelagola, Sera Jey Monastery Bylakuppe
3 MAY, THURSDAY
MOHAMMED THE PROPHET (PBUH)
A film by Chema Sarmiento
273 minutes
A journey back to the origins of the Koran to understand why it has over a
billion followers in the world.
Mohammed, son of Abdullah, was born in Mecca in about 571 AD. He was
orphaned at the age of six and was brought up to be a merchant, the traditional
occupation of the prestigious Hashemite clan to which he belonged. In 610,
when he was 40, Mohammed had a vision of an angel and received his first
divine revelation. From then on, he spent all his time preaching, proclaiming
his faith to ever-larger audiences from Mecca to Medina until his death in 632.
The Prophet's biography is told via rare interviews with a number of Muslims,
including imams, whilst academics from the Arab world and beyond shed
further light on various sections of the narrative.
With the aid of calligraphic manuscripts, Ottoman illuminations and sequences
filmed in the mosques and Koran schools, the documentary series Mohammed
demonstrates the vast importance of the prophet whose life-story is inextricably
woven into the Koran, the sacred text on which Islam is founded.
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4 MAY, FRIDAY
DECODING THE PAST: SECRETS OF THE KORAN
A film by the History Channel
91 minutes
The Koran is one of the most important works ever written. For almost one
billion people worldwide, it is the Holy Scripture, the word of God and his
prophet. For others, it is a historical artifact that has left an indelible imprint on
the world. Decoding the Past: Secrets of the Koran probes the heart of the work
that many outside Islam find mysterious. This feature-length program
examines the history of the verses and their implications for modern times, as
well as the striking similarities and differences between the Koran and the
Bible. Trace the influence of the Koran from the Golden Age of Islam to the
modern rise of jihadism, and hear from top Islamic scholars and holy men as
they share their insights into the work that lies at the foundation of one of the
world’s great religions. The History Channel provides the perfect guide to
understanding the fundamental work that has shaped the Muslim faith for over
1,400 years, and will long continue to influence modern history.
5 MAY, SATURDAY
JESUS: THE COMPLETE STORY
A Film by Jean-Claude Bragard
150 minutes
Using the most current scientific and historical research, coupled with the latest
computer graphic technology, this film is an attempt to uncover what this first-
century peasant was trying to do and why.
Jesus: The Complete Story pieces together the life of Jesus by following in the
footsteps of the man in his early years, through his mission and final days. It’s a
detective story, searching for clues, reading between the lines and uncovering
the evidence that is available after 2,000 years.
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6 MAY, SUNDAY
MOTHER TERESA
Starring Olivia Hussey; Dir: Fabrizio Costa
115 minutes
Mother Teresa is an inspirational portrayal of Mother Teresa, a simple nun who
became one of the most significant personalities of the 20th century. Armed
with a faith that could move mountains, Mother Teresa followed her calling to
help the poor, the lepers, the dying and the abandoned children in the slums of
Calcutta, challenging many authorities - including the church - along the way.
7 MAY, MONDAY
A HISTORY OF GOD
with Karen Armstrong based on the best selling book
100 minutes
A History of God examines the familiar images of deity as presented in the
Bible and Koran and traces the evolution and interrelation of the various
Christian, Jewish, and Islamic interpretations of the divine figure. Through
balanced analysis of historic and holy texts and extensive use of ancient art and
artifacts, we’ll follow the long road to today’s understanding of God and what
the journey–and the destination–have to tell us about humanity and its never-
ending search for meaning and comfort.
From the time of Abraham to the present, this is a thought-provoking look at
the God at the heart of the world’s three great monotheistic religions.
8 MAY, TUESDAY
ADI SHANKARACHARYA
A film by G.V. Iyer
120 minutes
The only film ever made in classic Sanskrit (with English subtitles). The award
winning film is based on the life of one of the greatest thinkers the Indian sub-
continent has ever known, Adi Shankaracharya, is a stupefying achievement in
the annals of world cinema.
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11 MAY, FRIDAY
AHIMSA: NONVIOLENCE, AN EXPLORATION OF THE JAIN TRADITION
A film by Michael Tobias
59 minutes
The first film to chronicle the world of Jainism, a vegetarian, nonviolent, ancient
religion of India.
12 MAY, SATURDAY
TRAVELLERS AND MAGICIANS
A film by Khyentse Norbu
108 minutes
Mystical journeys of spiritual discovery are set against the spectacular,
evocative landscape of the remote Kingdom of Bhutan in Travellers and
Magicians.
13 MAY, SUNDAY
THE BUDDHA
Narrated by Richard Gere, Dir: David Grubin
120 minutes
The Buddha, a two-hour documentary by Emmy Award winner David Grubin,
tells the story of the Indian sage who attained enlightenment as he sat beneath a
fig tree two-and-a-half millennia ago.
14 MAY, MONDAY
IN GOD'S NAME: WISDOM FROM THE WORLD'S GREAT SPIRITUAL
LEADERS
A film by National Geographic Society
92 minutes
In God's Name offers a rare opportunity for everyone -- devout, skeptical or in
between -- to travel on a journey of spiritual discovery and come to know 12 of
the most holy people alive today, guardians of an empire beyond the earthly
realm.
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SUPPORT US!
The Foundation works with a modest corpus. There are no charges or tickets for
our events. DONATIONS are welcome to meet expenses towards organizing
secular events like this one. These are tax exempt under Sec 80G in India.
Contributions are accepted preferably by cheque or draft payable to
‘Foundation for Universal Responsibility of HH The Dalai Lama’.
For other modes of payments, please visit
www.furhhdl.org/support
Join
Us!
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Should you have any
queries regarding the
Youth Interfaith
Pilgrimage Programme, or
any queries in general,
we will be glad to hear
from you.
WRITE TO US!
Sr. Manager
Programmes & Administration
Foundation for
Universal Responsibility
of His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Core 4A, UGH
India Habitat Centre
Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003
Tel: (91) (11) 24648450
Fax: (91) (11) 24648451
www.furhhdl.org
REGISTERED OFFICE
The Foundation for Universal Responsibility of HH The Dalai Lama
Private Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj
Dharamsala - 176 219
District Kangra
Himachal Pradesh
India
Tax ID No in India: AAATF 0174 E
Trust Registration No.7989/ FCRA182450033
Tel: (91 (1892) 21879
Fax: (91) (1892) 21813
www.dalailama.com