Parliament of Worlds Religion 2004 Barcelona

Author(s): Parliament of the World’s Religions
Publisher: USA Parliament of the Worlds Religions

Page 104

Program Descriptions
Thursday, July 8, 2004 INTRARELIGIOUS SESSION 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Room 125, English
Dr. Rajinder Kaur Rohi is a reader in Sikhism & Comparative Studies at Punjabi University, in Paiala, India. Dr. Kaur Rohi specializes in Sikhism and Comparative Religion.
Dr. Harbans Kaur Sagoo is a Senior Reader at the SGTB Khalsa Post-Graduate College, New Delhi, India.
Dr. Gurdeep Kaur is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the SGTB Khalsa Post-Graduate College, New Delhi, India.
The teachers of the world's religious traditions have emphasized community, tolerance, love, and peace as keys to attaining universal peace and harmony. If we are to understand and benefit from their teachings, then we, as members of the human family, must safeguard their messages and not violate their compassionate teachings by enforcing absolute claims of truth and blind obedience to them. Speakers of this panel, Sufi leaders from international communities, will share their wisdom and experience to evaluate if peace, where rights are valued, is attainable through a universal harmony. This program is part of a series organized by the International Association of Sufism. (www.ias.org)
The Influence of Religion on Mahatma Gandhi Vinod Kapashi Jyotindra Doshi Room 123, English Lecture
Nahid Angha, Ph.D., is co-founder of the International Association of Sufism (IAS), and founder of the Sufi Women Organization (SWO). An internationally published scholar and human rights activist, Dr. Angha is the main representative of the IAS to the United Nations (NGO/DPI).
Where did Mahatma Gandhi learn his technique of passive resistance and civil disobedience? How was he inspired by the philosophy of Ahimsa (nonviolence) and who helped him? Mahatma, in his autobiography, has mentioned Shrimad Rajchandra's name as one of his gurus. This lecture explores some of the letters written by these two great men. This also gives insight into how Mahatma Gandhi developed his way of dealing with injustices in South Africa and in India.
Shah Nazar Seyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D. is co-founder of the IAS and Editor-in-Chief of Sufism: An Inquiry. Dr. Kiantar is a published author and lecturer, having taught Sufism and Islamic philosophy internationally for over 30 years.
A Muslim writer of several books and numerous articles, Aisha Rafea is the daughter of the prominent Egyptian Sufi Teacher Rafea M. Rafea. With the support of her present Teacher, she is an advocate of spiritual awakening for all humankind.
Dr. Vinod Kapashi has taught Jainism for 15 years, and holds a Ph.D. in Jain sacred hymns. He is the president of Mahavir Foundation, and takes keen interest in the Interfaith activities in the United Kingdom, having served as the president of the Harrow Interfaith Council in the past.
Sharon G. Mijares, Ph.D. is a member of Sufi Ruhaniat International, and the International Association of Sufism. She coauthored The Root of All Evil: An Exposition of Prejudice, Fundamentalism and Gender Imbalance, which is due out in 2005.
Jyotindra Doshi is a Trustee, former President and former youth secretary in the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. He has served as Director of the Jain Association in North America (JAINA), and has written many Jainism articles. Jyotindra has received many awards and has spoken at conventions, universities, and interfaith programs.
Bahman A.K. Shirazi, Ph.D., is Director of Graduate Studies at CIIS in San Francisco, as well as faculty member at JFK University in Orinda, California.
Christianity: Presentation of the Essential Points Francesc Torralba Roselló Room 124 Lecture This lecture will offer participants an overview and analysis of the essential elements of Christianity.
Guru Granth Sahib: Promoting Religious Pluralism, Equality, Social and Economic Justice Dr. Jaswant Singh Neki S. Gurtej Singh Dr. Gursharan Singh Sandhu Dr. Nirmal Singh Nilvi Room 129, English
Francesc Torralba Roselló is a doctor in philosophy and theology, and professor at the Ramon Llull University in Barcelona.
Peace - A Quest for Universal Harmony Nahid Angha Shah Nazar Kianfar Aisha Rafea Sharon Mijares Bahman Shirazi
In this program, panelists will discuss how pluralism is promoted in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Gurus and the contributing Saints. They will consider how pluralism contributes to brotherhood, equality, peace, and spirituality, and what the role of clergy is in preaching religious tenets. Participants are invited to learn about the unique philosophy of the Sikh scripture showing a workable way of bringing about peace and harmony all over the world - a dream of all believers.
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