Foundation for Universal Responsibility
of His Holiness The Dalai Lama
TENTH YOUTH
INTERFAITH PILGRIMAGE PROGRAMME 2013
SOUTH INDIA 5th– 20th August 2013
An initiative to provide insight into religious diversity, build cross-cultural understanding and encourage spiritual growth. 1
"To meet the challenges of our times, I believe that humanity must develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for our own individual self, family or nation, but for the benefit of all mankind. Today we are so interdependent, so closely interconnected with each other, that without a sense of universal responsibility, a feeling of universal brotherhood and sisterhood, and an understanding and belief that we really are a part of one big human family, we cannot hope to overcome the dangers to our very existence – let alone bring about peace and happiness." - His Holiness The Dalai Lama
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CONTENTS
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Programme Overview
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Programme Details
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About the Foundation
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Terms and Conditions
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Join Us
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Write to us
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Programme Overview The Youth Interfaith Pilgrimage programme seeks to provide space for young participants to embrace religious diversity, build cross-cultural understanding and encourage spiritual growth through first-hand exploration of different faith traditions. The fourteen-day programme involves visits to religious centres across South India. It will start from Bengaluru and move on to Mysuru, Shravanbelagola and Bylakuppe. Two days will be spent at each centre. The first day will be dedicated to lectures/discussions on each faith and the second day will be spent in attending prayers. Sessions will be conducted and coordinated by the centres as per a pre-determined schedule after consultation with the Foundation. The centres may conduct guided tours of the place and visits to their respective places of worship. ‚In the Buddhist investigation of reality we traditionally employ four principles of reasoning: dependence, function, nature and evidence, hence both approaches seem to work in parallel,‛ said the Dalai Lama. Not a far stretch from the way scientists look for evidence. In line with that, we have also included sessions of interaction with neuroscientist and psychologist during our tour programme. Participants are requested to bring modest clothing and prepare themselves with a basic understanding of each faith prior to the commencement of the programme. As per the norms of the tour, participants are requested to read the application form very carefully and stick to the fundamental instructions. However, there are no rigid directives, and participants are requested to be understanding and open-hearted. Modest accommodation will be provided at each centre with vegetarian meals, unless otherwise arranged at nearby commercial areas. The group will travel together and use local transport, as the centres are within a relatively small geographical area. During the programme transportation, accommodation and meals will be arranged by the Foundation and the group will be escorted by a staff member. During the pilgrimage, some places require extensive walking to reach the destination, and we prefer applicants to be physically fit. Should the participants require further information, please do contact us. Reporting Information: Report on 5 August, 2 pm, at Tibetan SOS TCV Youth Hostel No. 7, Sampangiramaiah Garden, Srinivagalu Viveknagar Post, Bengaluru-47 Tel :(91) (80)22720497/22720495/22720494 Mobile :(91) 9886355156 ( Mr. Dhondup) Orientation Session: 5 Aug, 5 pm, Auditorium, TCV Youth Hostel 5
Programme Details MEDITATION AND YOGA 6 - 12 August, 06.30 AM to 07.30 AM The main philosophy of yoga is simple: mind, body and spirit are one and cannot be clearly separated. Yet there is a multitude of philosophical ideas developed by looking into the deeper dimensions of the body, mind and spirit.
“ …..The best time for practicing meditation is in the morning, in a quiet place, when the mind is very clear and alert. It helps not to have eaten too much the night before nor to sleep too much; this makes the mind lighter and sharper the next morning. Gradually the mind will become more and more stable; mindfulness and memory will become clearer”. – His Holiness The Dalai Lama
SPIRITUAL FILM SCREENINGS* 6 - 12 August, 05.30 PM
* Please read synopsis, timing and film details at spiritual film festival section 6
Programme Details SIKHISM TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, 6-7 August, 10.00 AM to 04.30 PM
Topics: Who and what is a Sikh, philosophy, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, history and practices, the significance as well as translations of various banis of the Gurus, the similarities and differences between Sikhism and other major religions in existence during the times of the Gurus, women in Sikhism, gurdwaras, the Khalsa, Rehat Maryada, religious emblems, ceremonies and festivals, visit to gurdwara and attend gathering, Golden Temple, Sikh way of life, Sikh youth, Sikh warriors, Sikh martyrs, Sikh women, famous Sikhs, Sikh ethics, Sikh prayers, Punjabi cuisine, Sikh matrimonial, Europeans in Sikh history.
“Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the common religious scripture of all…. Sikhs have been unsuccessful in making the world know about their religious scripture. Today, humanity is in dire need of Guru Granth Sahib’s peaceful and loving message.” Archer, author of the book, Sikh Faith
As fragrance abides in the flower As reflection is within the mirror, So does your Lord abide within you, Why search for him without ? Guru Nanak
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Programme Details HINDUISM THURSDAY, 8 August, 10.00 AM to 04.30 PM
Topics: Vedas, Upanishads, Purana, other primary texts, epics, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta, modern books, about Dharma, history, beliefs, concept of God, Devas and Avatars, Karma and Samsara, objectives of human life, Yoga, practices, rituals, pilgrimage, festivals, scriptures, shruti, smriti, ashrama, monasticism, varna, ahimsa, vegetarianism and other food customs, Chinmaya order of monasticism, visit the temple and attend prayers.
“Hinduism…..gave itself no name, because it set itself no sectarian limits; it claimed no universal adhesion, asserted no sole infallible dogma, set up no single narrow path or gate of salvation; it was less a creed or cult than a continuously enlarging tradition of the God ward endeavor of the human spirit. An immense many-sided and many staged provision for a spiritual self-building and self-finding, it had some right to speak of itself by the only name it knew, the eternal religion, Santana Dharma….” Sri Aurobindo
“..To forget oneself totally, one's mind should keep awake at every moment. A mind that has forgotten the past and the future, that is awake to the now, to the present, expresses the highest concentration of intelligence. It is alert, it is watchful, it is inspired. The actions of a man who has such a mind are exceptionally creative and perfect. Verily to forget oneself totally, is to be in perfection…”. Swami Chinmayananda 8
Programme Details MIND SCIENCE
FRIDAY, 9 August, 09.00 AM TO 12.40 PM NEUROSCIENCE DIALOGUE: Topics: The neural substrates of learning and transformation; From Mind Training to Brain Plasticity; Cultivating the Inner conditions for happiness- Neural perspective; Concept of Cognitive Neuroscience
FRIDAY, 9 August, 01.40 PM TO 04.15 PM PSYCHOLOGY DIALOGUE: Topics: Perspectives in Modern Psychology; Cultivating the Inner conditions for happiness - psychological perspectives; System Theory Approach to the study of Mind; Mindfulness based stress Reduction program and Psychaitric illness
“With the ever growing impact of science on our lives, religion and spirituality have a greater role to play reminding us of our humanity. There is no contradiction between the two. Each gives us valuable insights into the other. Both science and the teachings of the Buddha tell us of the fundamental unity of all things.� His Holiness the Dalai Lama
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Programme Details CHRISTIANITY SATURDAY AND SUNAY, 10-11 August, 10.00 AM to 04.30 PM
Topics: What is Christianity and what do Christians beli eve, understanding the Trinity (the Son, the Father and the Holy Ghost), Jesus of Nazareth, Christian morality, Christianity and other religions, Church history and Christian denominations, Christianity basics, Christian beliefs, Christian books, Christianity charts, Christian history, Christian holidays, Christian people, Christian practices, Christian texts, Christian symbols, Christian social values, customs and practices, visit church and attend Sunday Mass.
"If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?" 1 John 3:17 (NLT)
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” The Bible (Mark 12:30-31)
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Programme Details *ISLAM MONDAY AND TUESDAY, 12-13 August, 10.00 AM to 04.30 PM
Topics: Background to Muslims in India, concept of God and purpose of life, Sharia Law – two sources of guidance, basic beliefs and practices, adhan (call to prayer), visit mosque and presentation, concept of Jihad and Islam and terrorism, video – ‘This is Islam’, worship in Islam – articles of faith, brotherhood and the concept of Ummah, women in Islam, Islam and science – video clipping, pillars of Islam, Shahadah, Salat, Saum, Zakat, Hajj, etiquette and manners, Muslims and environment, Islamic art and heritage, Islam in the West, Shia and Sunni sects among Muslims.
"O mankind! We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know and honor each other (not that you should despise one another). Indeed the most honorable of you in the sight of God is the most righteous." (Quran, 49:13)
*13th Aug: Leave late evening for Krishnamurthi Foundation India, Bengaluru 11
Programme Details SPIRITUALISM & NATURE WEDNESDAY, 14 August
Topics: Is it possible to live an orderly life in this chaotic world? Do I know myself? Harmony in relationship, to listen, to look, to learn! What is right action? Why do I resist change? Freedom from Fear. What are you doing with your Life? Silence, stillness, meditation, ending of conflict, freedom, responsibility and discipline. What is a religious mind? Nature walk. Care for environment.
"To be clear in one’s intentions is quite an arduous task; intention is as a flame, ceaselessly urging one to understand. Be clear in your intentions and you will see, things will work out. To be clear in the present is all that one needs, but it is not quite so easy as it sounds. One has to clear the field for the new seed and once the seed is planted, its own vitality and strength creates the fruit and the seed." - Pupul Jayakar’s Biography, Chapter 23
“Total negation is the essence of the positive. When there is negation of all those things that thought has brought about psychologically, only then is there love, which is compassion and intelligence.” J. Krishnamurti 12
Programme Details JAINISM* THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, 15-16 August
Topics: Concept of karma, ten virtues of monks, twelve reflections or bhavnas, twelve vows of laypersons, fourteen auspicious dreams, five bodies and eight vargnas, five great vows (Maha-vratas), six universal substances (Dravyas), meaning of Ashta Prakari Puja, nine tattvas (principles), Prakrit script, Jain texts, main principles, core beliefs, nonviolence in thought and practice, shedding of past karmas (nirjara), tirthankaras, cosmology, customs and practices, meditation, monasticism, vegetarianism, fasting, Dev Shastra Guru Puja, festivals, history, culture, contributions to Indian culture, guided pilgrimage of Shravanbelagola temples and caves.
“Dharma has been the foundation of the Indian culture�. Sri Swasthishree Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji
*15th Aug: Leave early morning by bus to Shravanbelagola
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Programme Details
TOUR* *17th Aug: Leave early morning by bus to Bylakuppe SATURDAY, 17 August Tibetan Children’s Village School Bylakuppe, www.tcv.org.in, Tibetan Old People’s Home, Karuna Home for the Disabled, www.karunahome.org, Namdroling Golden Temple, www.namdroling.org, Namdroling Nunnery, Tibetan Organic Farming Centre, Sera Jey Monastery, www.serajeymonastery.org, Sera Mey Monastery, www.serameymonastery.org
BUDDHISM*
*20th Aug: Leave for Bengaluru after breakfast End of Programme
SUNDAY AND MONDAY, 18-19 August 10.00 AM TO 4.30 PM
Topics: Introduction to Buddhism in general, introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, relevance and role of religion (interfaith) in 21st century, introduction to meditation on equanimity, concept of Shunyata (emptiness), Tibetan monastic system, four noble truths, eight-fold paths, affliction and destructive Emotions, concept of reincarnation, Buddhism and science, tour to debate session, tour around Sera Monastery.
“There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness.” His Holiness The Dalai Lama 14
SPIRITUAL FILM SCREENINGS* 6 - 12 AUGUST, 5:30 PM
Spiritual Film Screenings
Venue: Tibetan SOS TCV Youth Hostel TUESDAY, 6 AUGUST RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD OUR WORLD FAITH ANIMATED 150 Min This remarkable and acclaimed series of animated shorts from the BBC and Channel 4 introduces each of the world's 10 major religions. Every entertaining short succinctly helps both children and adults learn the basic tenets of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Sufism, Islam, Hinduism (Krishna), (Ramayana), and Confucianism. WEDNESDAY, 7 AUGUST A HISTORY OF GOD 100 Min Theologian Karen Armstrong's book forms the basis for this History Channel program. Looking at the way that humans have perceived the idea of a supreme being throughout history, A HISTORY OF GOD gathers interviews with representatives of several different religions to discuss the role that god plays in their lives. Discussing religious practices from various points in history, the program considers the many ways that the idea of a god situates itself in different cultures and communities. Religious scholars also offer their opinions on how various religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism have affected and shaped one another. THURSDAY, 8 AUGUST THE PATH OF NON-VIOLENCE with Mahatma Gandhi & Nelson Mandela 78 Min Gandhi’s documentary explains his struggle against the mighty British Empire and her colonies of South Africa and India. It shows various historic events like the Dandi March and non-cooperative movement that he initiated. Mandela’s documentary films his struggles, triumphs and the adversity which ultimately drove him to greatness as an African leader. Using never-before-seen footage of Mandela and his family at home, the documentary provides a glimpse of Mandela’s love of life. 15
Spiritual Film Screenings
FRIDAY, 9 AUGUST IN GOD’S NAME 92 Min
For millennia, questions about the existence and nature of God have prevailed across sociocultural barriers, leading to radically different interpretations and belief systems. The presence of many diverse faiths in the 21st century, in turn, seems to demand peaceful and harmonious co-existence even as each religion offers its own unique insights into the spiritual realm, theism, the nature of happiness, and the purpose of life's journey. In an effort to tap into the messages of religious leaders from many different backgrounds, French documentarists Jules and Gedeon set out to film twelve of these representatives offering their thoughts on the said issues, as filtered through their respective belief systems - with surprising and consistently illuminating results. SATURDAY, 10 AUGUST HAPPY 75 Min - Winner, Audience Choice Award, Arizona International Film Festival, 2011 - Winner, Best Documentary, Rincon International Film Festival, 2011 - Winner, Grand Jury prize, Amsterdam Film Festival, 2011 - Winner, Best Documentary, Mexico International Film Festival, 2011 The filmmaker travels from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums in Kolkata looking for the real cause behind people’s happiness. The film combines testimonials from people around the world and interviews of scientists worldwide who are involved in happiness research. The film explores the secrets behind this one emotion that we all value. ‚Immensely Uplifting‛ Spiritual Perspective SUNDAY, 11 AUGUST BEYOND OUR DIFFERENCES 72 Min Beyond Our Differences provides a tapestry of distinct voices and viewpoints regarding spirituality, woven with one universal expression of hope. By providing such a variety of experiences in such an accessible format, we hope that individual viewers will understand this unified message of hope and will become empowered through their own expressions of faith to impact positive change in their lives and the lives of others. 16
MONDAY, 12 AUGUST UNHEARD VOICES AND NOTES TO MYSELF 53 Min
Spiritual Film Screenings
Unheard Voices and Notes to Myself... is a story about a Journey... The Foundation of Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama organizes a month-long Gurukul program in Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh in North India) every year. Young participants are selected from all over the world to experience the Monastic tradition, Buddhist philosophy, and Tibetan culture, engage in various activities of the Tibetan community and to know about Tibetan struggle for freedom. The Gurukul Program is a unique opportunity for the young students to come closer to a world of wisdom, inspiration, dreams, discovery and exploration. This film is a travelogue, which stitches the journey of the participants and their experiences in this beautiful place. This travelogue is the story of the changing lives of these participants and going beyond to also capture the vibrant, compassionate, heartfelt, and passionate life of the Tibetan people in the Buddhist town of Dharamsala.
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* feel free to inform your contacts about above simultaneous Spiritual Film Festival in Bengaluru at CHOE KHOR SUM LING Ashwini, No. 24, First Floor, 3rd Main Street, Domlur Layout, Bangalore - 560 071, Tel: (080) 414 864 97/984 500 6343
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About the Foundation "This Foundation will implement projects to benefit people everywhere, focusing especially on assisting nonviolent methods, on improving communications between religion and science, on securing human rights and democratic freedoms, and on conserving and restoring our precious Mother Earth." – His Holiness The Dalai Lama VISION
Foster the celebration of diversity, the spirit of universal responsibility and the understanding of interdependence across faiths, creeds and religions. Support personal transformation in ways that facilitate larger processes of social change. Develop and sustain peace building and coexistence initiatives in regions of violent conflict and social unrest. Encourage and cultivate Ahimsa (nonviolence) as a guiding principle for interaction among human beings and with their environments. Offer inclusive and holistic paradigms of education that prioritize experiential learning, cross-cultural dialogue, and a global ethic of peace and justice. Build capacity for conflict transformation, human rights and democratic freedom through partnerships with civil society groups across the globe. Explore new frontiers on understanding of the mind by building bridges between science and spirituality. Support the professional development of future leaders and decisionmakers through scholarships and fellowships. Create media products and educational materials that promote the objectives of the Foundation. Nurture an understanding of the relevance and value of Tibetan civilisational heritage to contemporary issues and predicaments.
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About the Foundation MISSION 
To promote universal responsibility in a manner that respects difference and encourages a diversity of beliefs, practices and approaches.
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To build a global ethic of nonviolence, coexistence, gender equity and peace by facilitating secular processes that cultivate personal and social ethical values.
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To enrich educational paradigms that tap the transformative potential of the human mind.
The Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a not for profit, non-sectarian, non-denominational organization established with the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to His Holiness in 1989 . In the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations, the Foundation brings together men and women of different faiths, professions and nationalities, through a range of initiatives and mutually sustaining collaborations.
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Terms & Conditions
REPORTING INFORMATION: 5 August, 2 pm, Tibetan SOS TCV Youth Hostel No. 7, Sampangiramaiah Garden, Srinivagalu Viveknagar Post, Bengaluru-47 Tel :(91) (80)22720497/22720495/22720494 Mobile :(91) 9886355156 ( Mr. Dhondup), Administrator How to reach TCV Hostel: From Bangalore City Railway Station: Take a Cab or Auto Rickshaw (Important roads on the way) Rao Bahadur DGT Road, Sheshadri Road, Nrupatunga Road, District Office Road, Magrath Road, Nilsandra Road, 12th Main Road, 6th Cross Road, 7th Main Road, 9th Main Road, 8th Cross Road From Bangalore Airport: Take a City Volvo Bus, www.mybmtc.com Bus Number: BIAS-7 - Koramangala = Bangalore International Airport Landmarks near TCV Hostel: Viveknagar Post, Koramangla, Rajdhani Restaurant, Behind Mantri Apartment is the TCV Hostel
ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORTATION: We are happy to welcome you as our guest and to meet your basic expenses on travel, food and lodging during the programme. As you know the Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that sustains itself from donations and the support of the community. Hence, food and lodging will be basic in nature and may have to accommodate in groups while staying in hostels and ashrams. The Foundation WILL NOT cover travel expenses to and from Bangalore for participants from outside Bangalore. We welcome donations and contributions. These will help cover the costs of the ongoing Interfaith programmes, the Gurukul and other projects. Please do not feel pressured to make a contribution, particularly if you are still a student or have recently graduated. What is most important for us is to be able to welcome you amidst us.
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Terms & Conditions PARTICIPATION: Selected participant will abide by the rules and regulations of the programme. Participant will not hold organizers responsible for any mishap. The programme organisers decision will be final and binding. Participant will register for the programme willingly and should possess genuien interest in such endevour. In case of any emergency he/she will inform the authority and sort out the situation. The participants will abide by the rules and regulations of their host organisations. Since water is scarce and littering is a concern for envionmental reasons, we request each one to be mindful during the programme.
ORIENTATION SESSION: Orientation Session will be held on reporting day in the evening at 5pm inside the premises of TCV Youth Hostel. It is the responsibility of each participants to inform their fellow mates and gather for the meeting. During the session each participant will be provided with reading materials as well as instructions to make the journey meaningful. Should you find any difficulty in finding the Hostel, please keep in touch with: Mr. Dhondup, Administrator, TCV Youth Hostel: +91 9886355156 Mr. Thupten Tsewang, Director, FUR: +91 9999660585
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Join Us ONLINE RESOURCES Website www.furhhdl.org Email Alerts Sign up by sending an email at info@furhhdl.org Facebook www.facebook.com/furhhdlindia Twitter www.twitter.com/furhhdl Books/ DVDs www.furhhdl.org/content/ publications-films-resources
SUPPORT US! The Foundation works with a modest corpus. There are no charges or tickets for our events. DONATIONS are welcome to meet expenses towards organizing secular events like this one. These are tax exempt under Sec 80G in India. Contributions are accepted preferably by cheque or draft payable to: ‘Foundation for Universal Responsibility of HH The Dalai Lama’ and send to: Core 4A, UGF, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110003, India For other modes of payments, please visit, www.furhhdl.org/how-to-help 22
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WRITE TO US! Youth Interfaith Pilgrimage Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness The Dalai Lama Core 4A, UGF India Habitat Centre Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003 Tel: (91) (11) 24648450 Fax: (91) (11) 24648451 furhhdl@furhhdl.org www.furhhdl.org
Should you have any queries regarding the Youth Interfaith Pilgrimage Programme, or would like to participate in future, we will be glad to hear from you.
REGISTERED OFFICE The Foundation for Universal Responsibility of HH The Dalai Lama Private Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama Thekchen Choeling, McLeod Ganj Dharamsala - 176 219 District Kangra Himachal Pradesh India Tax ID No in India: AAATF 0174 E Trust Registration No.7989/ FCRA182450033 Tel: (91 (1892) 21879 Fax: (91) (1892) 21813 www.dalailama.com
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