Saints, pilgrims, devotees and yogis from all across India and across the world joined together to pray and pledge for world peace and for all of humanity, in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, the violence in Beirut and the refugee crisis across Europe.
Led by Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, a sacred prayer with burning earthen oil lamps was held for peace, light and universal sisterhood/brotherhood. The participants were inspired to commit and pledge to cohesive action so that they can become beacons of light and life, of hope and healing across the world.
Pujya Swamiji led the moment of silence by sharing, “Let us pray for Paris and let us also pray and pledge for world peace. We are one family. For those who have lost their lives and for those who have lost their loved ones, in their time of grief, let us join with them in this moment of silence and introspection.”
Sadhvi Bhagawatiji shared, “What the world needs now is not for us to react with the same deluded sense of separation from which the terrorists acted. However, we do need action, planned action, cohesive action that is born and rooted in the truth that we are one. So, while we pray together, let us also pledge to become rivers of peace, dousing all flames of violence in our own waters of compassion and serenity. Let us also pledge to not just light candles but to also become that light, which dispels all darkness from whose brightness countless more candles can be lit.”
A special song for world peace was sung in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, bringing together a global family with the sacred chanting of Om Shalom Salam Amen, sygnifying a yogic union of countries, cultures, colors and creeds.