The Parliament of World Religions which convened in Melbourne, Australia on December 3, was like a confluence of several holy rivers, all flowing in the same direction, towards the one vast, wide ocean. The representatives of all the different religions—Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Baha’ism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and several others—were all present, all with the same bent of mind, commonality of purpose, moving on the same path, thus generating a massive flow of positive, universal energy.
The entire gathering was at the Convention Centre, with all the proceedings running smoothly and very well organised. The similar intentions of the thousands of delegates present, charged the atmosphere of the vast auditorium. Dada J. P. Vaswani was accorded a very warm welcome at the Parliament. On seeing Dada, everyone present was enraptured by his humility, the love that he generated and above all, by his million dollar smile.
On the first day, a group of Buddhist monks from Tasmania, Australia, approached Dada and requested him to join them in their ceremony of the Lion Dance. They regarded him as the Apostle from India who could convey to them the essence of the teachings of Buddha. Dada graciously accepted their invitation, and was requested to paint the eye of the Lion, which was the symbol of their Vajra dance. Dada captured the very essence of the Buddha’s message when he asserted, “Hatred ceaseth not by hatred, hatred ceaseth by love! Love ye one another.”
On December 7, Dada gave a talk on ‘Five Pillars of Spiritual Life’, in which he emphasised that true religion or spirituality lay in less talk and more practice. Spirituality has a cohesive effect. It binds all of humanity in togetherness.
Dada said that in the age science, we are proud of our progress and achievements. Yet, we have not succeeded in obtaining that which we desire the most, i.e. true joy and peace. Science has been unable to provide these. Only spirituality can lead us to the attainment of peace within ourselves, with one another and help us live at peace with the world. Dada pointed out that for this, the daily practice of silence was essential. Our day should be full of little turnings towards God, in whichever way possible.
After the talk, Dada conducted a twenty minute, six-step meditation. Everyone emerged from the session, refreshed, recharged and rejuvenated. Outside, it was cold and chilly, but within the walls of the auditorium one felt that one was enveloped in a cocoon of warmth, not generated by the heating system, but by the love and togetherness of all those present.