Source: www.theage.com.au
AUSTRALIA, December 4, 2009: Counting their blessings was an important part of the opening of the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Melbourne last night. Religious leaders presided in their respective religion’s fullest ceremonial richness and color.
Delegates had their week-long meeting blessed by Zoroastrians, Jains, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Baha’is, Aborigines, Shintos and in song.
Jain dancer Divya Jain and Muslim sitar player Kahlil Gurdaz were particularly appreciated. A Sikh blessing involving ceremonial daggers and iron discipline was the most dramatic.
The world’s religions were there in force, with more than 200 registered for the parliament. There were white robes, brilliant golds, blues and scarlets, vibrant African patterns, the black hats and earlocks of Orthodox rabbis and the purple of Anglican and Catholic bishops.
Parliament chairman William Lesher said the world faced daunting problems, but the solution was spiritual. He spoke of a tidal wave of compassion sweeping the world. “We are becoming an inter-religious community. Martin Luther King jr and others envisaged a gathering like this, where people gather to build a new, just, peaceful, sustainable world,” Dr Lesher said.
David Saperstein, nominated by Newsweek this year as America’s most influential rabbi, spoke passionately of living in extraordinary times. “We are the first generation that grows enough food to feed every human on earth. Our failure to do so is a failure of moral vision and political will,” Rabbi Saperstein said.