November/December, 2001

RELIGION

Monks' Millennial Conclave

Senior Ramakrishna swamis converge todiscuss future plans for spreading Vedanta

Over the three-day session, the monks discussed Vedanta's role and impact in society, but personal spiritual instruction and practical guidance for individuals was the main emphasis.

"Many people see the new millennium as the dawn of a new, more spiritual age," said Swami Chidananda, one of the twelve participants. "And the Vedanta movement, with its universality, and deep spirituality, is in harmony with this spirit."

In addition to inspired presentations by several swamis, the program included meditation, devotional bhajanas (religious songs), morning and evening worship services, Indian cultural events and a youth essay competition based on the ideals of Swami Vivekananda.

"The event was a milestone," said Joe Dziewa, a 26-year-old computer programmer from Buffalo, New York. "With all the changes and the chaos in the world, the Vedanta teachings teach unity and harmony, and in a perspective that deals with huge periods of time like a thousand years. It forces you to look beyond your own lifetime."