Interfaith

Sri Chinmoy always stressed the underlying unity of the different world religions.

"If we live in our oneness-heart, we will feel the essence of all religions which is the love of God. Forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, brotherhood and the feeling of oneness are the signs of a true religion."

Sri Chinmoy ¹

The Parliament of World Religions

The Parliament of the World's Religions was first held in 1893 in Chicago. The historic gathering is regarded as the beginning of the interfaith movement worldwide. At this first Parliament, the Indian monk Swami Vivekananda captured the hearts and imaginations of all the participants with his powerful all-embracing spirituality.

100 years later in Chicago in 1993, to celebrate the centenary anniversary, eight thousand people came together in Chicago for a second Parliament. Sri Chinmoy was chosen by the organisers to open the convocation with a few moments of silent meditation.

Barcelona, 2004

In 2004, Sri Chinmoy was once more invited to offer a silent prayer for the oneness of all religions at the Parliament of World Religions, before the audience of seven thousand attendees.

"During my opening meditation I am praying for the oneness of all religions."

Sri Chinmoy ²

Interfaith activities at the United Nations

During his years of service at the United Nations, Sri Chinmoy was a regular supporter of the many interfaith events associated with the United Nations, such as World Day of Prayer observances, Interfaith Prayer breakfasts, Seven Minutes of Silence, and World Gratitude and International Thanksgiving Days.

On this occasion, Sri Chinmoy offers a silent introduction to the first international interfaith conference at the United Nations, October 24th, 1975. Several prominent religious leaders attended, including Mother Teresa.

Sri Chinmoy also fostered dialogue amongst spiritual and religious leaders from all the main faiths around the world.

"Sri Chinmoy, your own life's work of most devoted service to interfaith understanding and world-oneness is unparalleled."

*Rev. James Park Morton*
Chairman & Organiser of the Annual Interfaith Service
President of the Interfaith Center of New York

References

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1. Sri Chinmoy, World-destruction: Never, impossible! part 1, Agni Press, 1994]]↩︎

2. Sri Chinmoy, I bow to the Soul of the Parliament of Religions Barcelona 2004, New York: Agni Press, 2005. p 5↩︎