The Brahma Kumaris Learning Center for Peace hosted special guests Sister Kala Iyengar, Lauren Baer, Dr. Mohammed Lazzouni, Lama Konchok Sonam Rinpoche, Inderpreet, and Peggy Huddleston for an interfaith panel discussion on how different faiths connect to the power of  God through silence.

This unique event gave leaders of Buddhism, Christianity, Sikhism, Hinduism, Bahai, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, and Islam a chance to share the unique methods and practices in their faith that bring
about connection to God. Through prayer, chanting, spiritual study, poetry, music, and meditation each faith provides a pathway to connect and communicate with God through deep inner silence. The personal stories of healing, of survival, and of love shared by the panelists were inspiring and humorous for everyone.

All panelists agreed that faith in and communication with God must be made practical, for use in everyday life. Some other insights included that silence is not just an absence of sound, but is rich and a lot goes on in
our minds and the mind of God. Silence provides a way to distance ourselves from all that is happening in our lives, to keep our motivations clear and positive, and to keep control over the invaluable power of the mind. Silence allows us to connect with deep peace and find answers beyond the intellect through communication with God. Faith must be practical, and we must not just take silence for the sake of silence, but instead use silence to become in synch with Divine will.

In addition to this fascinating discussion, the evening also featured an opening traditional Indian dance and a flag hoisting ceremony with honored guests to celebrate Shiv Ratri. One main highlight for many participants was the live meditation commentary in which Sister Kala of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization led the audience into an experience of God, accompanied by video and live Sitar music. Feelings of wonder and of divinity were in the air that night.

The host of the event, The Brahma Kumaris Learning Center for Peace in Watertown, is part of a worldwide network of more than 8,500 meditation centers in 138 countries. The organization, headquartered in India, teaches positive living and personal empowerment through meditation. For more information about our free offerings please visit our website: www.bkboston.org

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