Archive for the ‘social transformation’ tag
The Importance of Seva and Social Justice for Inner Transformation
From The Huffington Post
On the surface, emphasis in the Hindu and Dharmic (eastern) traditions appears to be primarily on inner self realization. We are encouraged to engage in community service as a transformation practice, sadhana, without personal recognition or publicity. Our underlying Vedic philosophy, often quoted by Mahatma Gandhi is Service to Man is Service to God. (Nar Seva, Narayan Seva). It is an inside out approach to living. Our definition of seva is: “Service which is given without consideration of anything in return, at the right place and time to one that is qualified, with the feeling that it is one’s duty, is regarded as the nature of goodness.” – Bhagavad Gita 17.20
It is no wonder then that in America, where community service is institutionalized as a well disciplined field, many wonder, where is Dharmic (eastern tradition) seva? Do Hindus serve the needy? Where is community service through their faith based institutions? What theology guides the Hindus to serve?
The Parliament of Reflections: William Lesher
As we enter into the final days and hours before the Parliament of Religions in Melbourne, Australia, we would like to take some time to reflect on the work ahead. The 2009 Parliament will be ripe with challenge and promise and we will engage this opportunity by considering the interreligious movement as a whole. We are happy to share this series of five articles to help attendees prepare for their Parliament experience.
Our fifth article is written by Rev. Dr. William Lesher, as an interview with Kosmos Journal. Lesher discusses the relationship between individual and social transformations, the significance of the interreligious movement and his hopes for the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions. It is a fitting conclusion to our series of articles in anticipation of the Melbourne Parliament.
Rev. Dr. Lesher has been active in the Parliament since its centennial gathering in Chicago in 1993, serving as an Ambassador for the Council in preparation for the 1999 Parliament in Cape Town, South Africa and as the convener of the 2004 Parliament in Barcelona, Spain. Dr. Lesher has worked with communities and institutions across the globe in various responsibilities for church bodies. He currently serves as a Trustee of the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia and as a member of the Board for the Global Ethics and Religion Forum. Please read his full article here.
