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Integral Yoga
wanted to have some interfaith gathering. In the beginning, we all began talking about our religions and the commonalities in our religions. Just talking.
L.M.: So you began a dialogue.
S. SATCH: And at one of our retreats we said: We are talking, talking, talking—why not do something? So let's do some worship service together. We all appreciate light as a symbol; nobody objects to that. If I were to put only Shiva, Buddha, or Krishna, you Christians will object; or Jesus, Hindus will object.
L.M.: How true.
S. SATCH: But if I use a light, all will enjoy it. So let's put a light in the middle of a table; and sit around and worship that light, each in our own way.
L.M.: No one way, but each individual.
S. SATCH: Everybody makes his own way according to their own tradition. The object is the same, but the forms of worship are different. Then, every retreat and gathering commenced with the ecumenical service. We call it Yoga Ecumenical Service—YES.
L.M.: Yes.
S. SATCH: We say yes to everything. That went on for several years. Then one day day I thought, we are doing it here and there. Why not a permanent place for it? That's when I started thinking about LOTUS.
L.M.: The Light of Truth Universal Shrine here at Yogaville.
S. SATCH: You've seen LOTUS? In the middle there is one light. It goes up, and then spirals out. It represents the one and same light that gives light to all the religions.
L.M.: Even though LOTUS and indeed all at Yogaville positively anticipate and proclaim the hope of universal brotherhood and the kingdom of God, when we look at the daily news it's mostly bad news.
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