Working for interfaith harmony happens every day by URI Cooperation Circles all over the world. World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), the first week of every February, is a special time to celebrate and make real the vision of interfaith harmony for all. Enjoy these inspirations for WIHW.
Inspiration for WIHW - Swami Vivekananda
The following words come from Swami Vivekananda, Chicago address, Parliament of the World’s Religions 1893 (Nabajiban Press, Calcutta, 1992, pp 1-4).
The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita, “Whosoever comes to me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all [people] are struggling through paths which in the end, lead to me."
Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often in human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between people wending their way toward the same goal.
Want more? See other quotes and sources of WIHW inspiration in the rest of this series.