Date: 7-9 March 2020
Venue: Govardhan Eco Village, Wada, Maharashtra
Topic: Hindu Dharma, Identity and its Role in Global Awakening
Dr. Sampadananda Mishra, Director, SAFIC was invited to be a part of a program of the Global Peace Initiative of Women which took place from March 6-9, 2020 and was held at the Govardhan Eco Village, Maharashtra, India.
The program was focused on the idea that many who are immersed in Hindu dharma see the critical issues confronting our societies and struggle with how to engage in a way that will help overcome growing polarization and division and bring greater understanding of dharma to our world. In the public space, both in India as well as globally, Hinduism is increasingly being viewed as a political movement, masking the true nature of this ancient and beautiful dharma tradition – a tradition designed for self-realization and the creation of a balanced and harmonious society. This is is a dangerous trend and is causing great pain to many who are following this dharmic tradition. How do we redirect this tendency so that the light of Hindu dharma can aid with the healing of our world, and guide the world community as it struggles to create a more enlightened society?
In this three days programme all participants had open and engaged discussions on various issues connected with Dharma.
Dr. Mishra actively participated in this programme and shared his thoughts in two sessions:
1. ‘Fostering Greater Hindu Unity’.
2. Carving a New Path for Development Based on Dharma.
Dr. Mishra enlightening the group on fostering greater Hindu Uniity summerised the realization of the seers of the Veda and highlighted the importance of ekatva or oneness and samatva or sameness for a greater inner unity which would manifest in the external life. With regard to the carving a new path for the development based on dharm he said that it is necessary to understand the past realization and use the insights from the past to build a strong foundation for the future. Mere singing of the glories of the past and to be satisfied with that has not helped and will not help in the progressive evolution. The need is to have a deeper understanding of the dharma at the individual and the collective level.
In this programme enlightened practitioners, academicians, young activists, policy makers, and enthusiasts were participants in this Dialogue.
