Convocation of Global Religions, New York
by:Dr. Harnam Singh Shan
The Conference on World Religions, accompanied by International Cultural Programs and associated by the Convocation of Global Religions, was held on the 9th and 10th of July, 1994, at the Colden Center for the Performing Arts, New York, U.S.A, Its proceedings were conducted under the Chairmanship of Father Luis M. Dolan, C.P., Director, International Programs and United Nation’s Representative for the Temple of Understanding with the assistance of Dr. P. Kusumita Pedersen, Executive Director of the Project on Religion and Human Rights. A large number of spiritual leaders and eminent representatives of various religions participated, Dr. Hamam Singh Shan, formally Professor & Chairman, Guru Nanak Chair and Head of the Departments ” of Panjabi and Sikh Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, was invited to represent the Sikh Religion.
The main object of the Conference-cum Convocation was to explore meaningful ways of enhancing interreligious understanding, advancing intercultural cooperation; promoting peace and harmony among diverse religious systems and traditions; and correcting misconceptions and misunderstandings through open dialogue about religion and culture.
The Conference-cum Convocation commenced on 9th July at 10.a.m, with an impressive Opening Procession of religious leaders and dignities in which Sikhism was distinctly represented. H.H. Dada J.P. Vaswani, Spiritual Head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Puna, delivered the Keynote Address. It was followed by the blessings of spiritual leaders and brief invocations by religious representatives for the wellbeing of humanity and success of the Conference. On behalf of the Sikh Religion, Dr, Hamam Singh Shan presented the following blessings Prayers and greetings from the sacred writings and traditions of the Sikhs.
- Tkk Oankar Sat Nam (Mul Mantra, M. 1, p.1)
I pray to God Who, According to Guru Nanak, the Founder of Sikh Religion, “Is But One and Whose Name is Truth.”
2.1 Beg Him in the following verse
of Guru Arjan Dev, the Author-cum-Compiler and Editor of the
Sikh Scripture:
Sabhel Ji Samal
ApniMehar Kar
Ann Pani Much Upaci,
Dukh Dalid Bhan Tart
That is
“Be merciful, O God!
And keep all beings under Your care.
Let grain and water be in plenty;
Shatter our suffering and penury;
And ferry Us across the Ocean of Existence.””
(Raga Sarang, M.I. p,1251)
- Nanak Nam Charhdi kala
Tere bhanei Sarbat da bhalla:
That is
“May Your Name, Your Glory, O God!
be ever in the ascendants!
May the whole world
be blessed with peace and prosperity
In Your will, by Your Grace!!”
(Congregational Sikh Prayer)
4,1 greeted with the following greeting of the Sikhs
Siti Akal
That is
“God is True
And Timeless!”
The Conference then split up into various sections to deliberate and investigate how to increase cooperation and religious tolerance; how to resolve interethnic conflicts; what religion can do to help peace and nonviolence, inculcate the spirit of coexistence and improve the quality of life on the whole.
The plenary sessions were addressed by eminent speakers representing various religions and expressing their respective views on the subject, Dr, Hamam Singh Shan responded on behalf of Sikh Religion and presented his paper on The Sikh View of Religion, commencing it as under.
“The Sikh Religion is, essentially, a religion of Nam. that is, the Divine Name, It is so because, according to its Fifth Prophet, Guru Arjan Dev,
Nanak Kei ghar
Kewal Nam
That is
In the House of Nanak,
Resounds only the Name Divine.
(Raga Bhairo, M. 5, p. 1136)
He has, therefore, termed it Nam Dharam, that is,
the Religion of the Divine Name.”
While concluding his address, Professor Shan stated, “The adherents of such a practical and universal religion, the true disciples of such 4 galaxy of True Masters, embody the universal spirit of altruism, liberalism, harmony and tolerance to such an extent that they seek blessings for the peace, prosperity and welfare of everyone irrespective of his belief or faith, caste or class, color or country in their daily prayers, both at home and abroad, and in pain and pleasure, which conclude with the following inimicable verse.
Nanak Nam charhdi kala
Tere bhanai sarbat da bhalla
That is
May Your Name, Your Glory, O God!
be ever in the ascendant!
May the whole world
be blessed with peace and prosperity
In Your Will, by Your Grace!!
(Congregational Sikh Prayer)
This sort of humanitarian spirit, cosmopolitan outlook and tradition seems to be unique in the realm of religions, in the domain of religious principles and practices, as far as I know.”
One of the highlights of the Conference-cum-Convocation was I following Convocational Hymn in the recitation of which the audience joined with the choir:
THE WORLD WE SEEK
- Down time’s dim passage we descend, With earth our mother, sky our friend, Diverse in language, faith and art
Refrain: A voice within, begin to hear, echoing from ages past, Quelling ignorance and fear, Bringing peace to us at last.
- But holding fast to what we know, we do not hear, we do not grow, We do not see another’s side,
Like slaves locked in a world of pride. Refrain: A voice within, begin to hear, Echoing from ages past, Quelling ignorance and fear, Bringing peace to us at last.
- Then be not slaves! We’ll find that peace Where harsh intolerance will cease, Where sisters, brothers, humankind. Will come to love the gift they find_ Refrain: A voice within, begin to hear, Echoing from ages past, Quelling ignorance and fear. Bringing peace to us at last, 4, Diversity, this gift is ours.
A garden filled with many flowers, Each with its fragrance, each unique: This is the world that we must seek.
Refrain: A voice within, begin to hear, Echoing from ages past, Quelling ignorance and fear, Bringing peace to us at last.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 14, 1994
