(영문) HWPL the 1st International Religious Peace Academy Results Reportation

Purpose and Background of the International Religious Peace Academy

IRPA Week 1 Lectures

Lecturers for Week 1 of IRPA Lectures

IRPA Week 1 Lectures on “Prophecy & Fulfillment” Lecture Summaries

IRPA Week 2 Lectures

Lecturers for Week 2 of IRPA Lectures

IRPA Week 2 Lectures on “Signs of the End Times & a New Era”

1. Purpose and Background of the International Religious Peace Academy

Introduction

In our increasingly interconnected and diverse world, fostering understanding, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence among different religious communities has become a paramount concern. The need for inter-religious communication as a foundation for peacebuilding has never been more imperative. Inter-religious communication refers to the exchange of ideas, beliefs, and values between individuals and communities belonging to different religious backgrounds, with the aim of building bridges, reducing tensions, and promoting harmonious relationships.

Both state and non-state actors have emerged as a major threat to religious freedom today. They have been recognized as serious challenges to democracy, human rights, and international peace in the 21st century. According to Pew Research Center in 2022, accusations and violence against religious groups were widespread in 74 countries in 2020 when COVID-19 hit the world. The international community has come to recognize that cooperation between countries to prevent and resolve conflicts based on ethnicity and religion is an important key to maintaining peace.

Differences in religious beliefs, practices, and worldviews can often lead to misunderstandings, mistrust, and even violence. However, when approached with respect, open-mindedness, and a genuine desire for dialogue, inter-religious communication has the power to transcend these divides and pave the way for peaceful coexistence. It enables religious communities to recognize their shared values, ethics, and aspirations, fostering an environment of mutual respect, empathy, and understanding.

This concept note introduces a platform named “HWPL Religious Peace Academy” that will explore the essence of teachings in religion through lectures on scriptures from renowned religious leaders to promote effective interfaith dialogue and understanding. This will shed light on the fact that we can create a world where different religious communities come together in harmony by transcending differences and working towards a shared vision of peace and well-being.

HWPL Religious Peace Academy (RPA)

HWPL, an international peace organization, has emphasized multilateral cooperation, including governments, international organizations, and civil society groups, as an essential measure for world peace. Since 2014, HWPL has been operating the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Office around the world to promote understanding among religions, prevent conflicts caused by religion, and seek the role of religion for peace. These include religious leaders' comparative study of scriptures, religious peace camps that promote respect and understanding among younger generations from religious backgrounds, and the HWPL Solidarity of Religions’ Peace Committee, which delivers messages of unity about peace to the world as world religious leaders.

To meet the principle offered by the UN General Assembly resolution (A/RES/53/243, 1999) and HWPL's 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War' (DPCW) Article 10 “Spreading a Culture of Peace” through education, the Religious Peace Academy (RPA) was planned in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.”

The HWPL Religious Peace Academy (RPA) aims to deepen religious exchange and understanding beyond a basic level of comprehension of different religious scriptures. As part of this initiative, HWPL is inviting prominent religious leaders from various faiths to deliver lectures at the RPA. These lectures will serve as a platform for comparative research, promoting a culture of peace, and interfaith unity.

Target Audience and Objective

The RPA lecture series will invite over 1,500 religious leaders from different faiths worldwide. By leveraging expertise in planning and conducting seminars and events both online and offline, we will ensure the lectures reach a diverse and international audience. HWPL team of experts and interpreters will facilitate international delivery of the lectures via Zoom, allowing for wider accessibility.

Here are the objectives of the RPA. First, religious and cultural exchanges through study of scriptures promote understanding of different religions and cultures. Second, through the provision of educational opportunities for learning the scriptures, the number of religious leaders who deeply understand the scriptures of other religions increases, and inter-religious exchanges are expanded. Third, since the scriptures are the essential teachings of religion, efforts to understand the scriptures can overcome unnecessary misunderstandings and baseless accusations that lead to violence and extremism against religions, thereby spreading a culture of peace.

Schedule and Topics

The lecture series will consist of four sessions held every Saturday in July 2023 (8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th). Each day will include three sessions at 9AM, 2PM, and 9PM UTC. The first two lectures will be 15 minutes each, and the remaining two lectures will be 60 minutes each. To maintain the quality of content, all lectures will be pre-recorded.

"The Signs of the End Times and the New Era" examines the definition and classification of the era in religion. The world's major religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, explain the end times. What are the End Times that the scriptures of these religions refer to, and what are their similarities and differences? Why do religions speak of the End Times? Can writings about the End Times be trusted? These questions will lead us to seek answers to the nature of religion and human beings.

"Prophecy and Fulfillment" deals with the vision of the future that religion offers to mankind. Humanity has always had many questions about the future, and that curiosity and imagination have stimulated the development of mankind. Religion gives mankind an idea of the future world through prophecy. What are the prophecies contained in each religious scripture? Which of these prophecies actually came true? What prophecies are set forth and fulfilled for our future? Is it hopeful or destructive? These questions will lead us to think about how the prophetic messages of religion are related to our lives. Date

July

July 15th

July 22nd

July 29th

Lecture 2

Choice to attend 60-min lecture from 1 religion

The HWPL RPA lecture series aims to foster a deep study of various religious scriptures, promoting peace and harmony among different religious communities worldwide. The participation of world religious leaders will contribute to the success of this initiative for peace. Religion, especially the scriptures, which are the foundation of faith, has the answer to achieve a world of peace and perpetuate the prosperity of mankind. RPA will seek the role of religious leaders who have the responsibility to lead the human society based on their understanding of religion.

2. IRPA Week 1 Lectures

Lecturers for Week 1 of IRPA Lectures

1) Buddhism

Venerable Dr. Nergui Sainbuyan, The Great Supreme Abbot of Sain Nomuun Monastery, Mongolia

• Founded “Sain Nomuun” Buddhist monastery (1990)

• Founded “Chandmani-Erdene” Buddhist secondary school at the Sain Nomuun Monastery (1998)

• Published more than 100 commentaries in the field of Buddhist education and research

2) Christianity Lee Ki-won, Tribe Leader of John Tribe, Shincheonji Church of Jesus

• John Tribe Leader (July 2021 ~)

• Head Instructor, Suwon Church, John Tribe (December 2018 – July 2021)

• Instructor, Zion Christian Mission Center, Gwacheon Church, John Tribe (August 2017 – December 2018)

• John Tribe Leader (June 2015 – August 2017)

3) Hinduism

Goswami Sushil Maharaj, National President & Convener of Bhartiya Sarva Dharma Sansad

• Shree Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra (Music and Dance Centre) (1964-1980)

• Convener of Art and Culture Project with Natya Ballad Centre, Sahitya Kala Parishad, Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Academy, Kathak Kendra and Sangeet Natak Academy, and more (1974 – 1977)

4) Islam

Prof. Dawud Olatokunbo Shittu Noibi, Former Executive Secretary of Muslim Ummah of SouthWest of Nigeria

• PhD in Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1984)

• Professor of Islamic Law, Muslim College, London (Post-graduate) (2002-2007)

• Islamic Consultant, IQRA Trust, London (1990-2003)

• Imam of the Muslim Community, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (10 years) and Chairman, Executive Council of the Community

• Founder and founding Chairman, Council of Nigerian Muslim Organizations in the United Kingdom (CNMO)

5) Sikhism

Inderpal Singh,Director of the Overseas Global Sikh Mission of the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle HQ

• Current Director of the Overseas Global Sikh Mission, Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle HQ (2016~)

• Honorary Director of Nankana Sahib Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee)

• Regular participation in seminars, webinars, conferences, symposiums, TV debates regarding social, religious and academic issues

IRPA Week 1 Lectures on “Prophecy & Fulfillment”

1) Buddhism

Hello! Greetings to everyone. I salute HWPL, the international peace organization and to all the religious people of many countries who are participating in the Religious Peace Academy. My name is Nergui Sainbuyan, the Abbot of Sain Nomuun Monastery, and I am participating from Mongolia.

Today, I would like to briefly tell you about the fulfillment of religious prophecies from the viewpoint of historical facts and of sayings that have been passed on by word of mouth. There is a history of spoken prophecies of Buddhism that have been fulfilled and many other types of prophecies that remain. For example, Buddha. At this time, our era is the era of Buddha Shakyamuni. Buddha Shakyamuni is a historical figure who originated 2567 years ago. Before that, it is believed that 3 types of gods appeared in our world in the form of Buddha.

The first of them is a god called as Kakusandha. In Mongolian, we call it, Divangar (which means Ancient) or Orchlong Evdegch (meaning Universe Breaker), and in Tibetan, it's Khorvadjig. When this deity descended on earth, it was a dark world without any gods, without any doctrines. Therefore, Kakusandha was the first deity who descended. When this god descended, he brought many prophecies that were strange, yet those prophecies came true. Well, this is the story of this god. So, the first god that appeared in the ancient, dark world was Khorvadjig or Kakusandha. When this god appeared, the world became so bright, the mind of man expanded so much, and the universe was filled with such beautiful events.

After that, Kakusandha preached that his religion, his views, and the benefits of them would continue from one era to another. And after that, he prophesied that another god will be born who will spread the religion, shape the minds, opinions, and consciousness of mankind, and shine light in the universe.

After that, a god named Konagamana (a.k.a. Kanakamuni in Sanskrit) descended just as Kakusandha prophesied. Well, we call this god, “Sertev” in Tibetan. He is also called Altan Chadagch (meaning Golden Almighty) in Mongolian. He is the second god who descended to the ancient world. Konagamana inherited the world from Kakusandha. Therefore, Konagamana is the successor of the Kakusandha.

Sertev or Altan Chadagch is the successor of the god, Orchlong Evdegch, the Kakusandha. In general, when the first God appeared and made himself known throughout the universe, he created a very powerful spiritual world that had never existed before. And through it, he laid the foundation for the creation of various prophecies of great significance in Buddhist doctrine.

Hence, the very first god born in the world was Orchlong Evdegch, which is the prehistoric god, the Kakusandha. After that, the god Altan Chadagch came. After Altan Chadagch, the Konagamana god, lived for hundreds of eras, and the third god, Odsuren succeeded him. This god is called Odsuren in Tibetan, Gerel Sakhigch (meaning Keeper of the Light) in Mongolian, and Kassapa in Sanskrit. This god and his predecessor, the Altan Chadagch, both foretold lots of prophecies of the future world regarding the human mind’s extensive growth, spirituality, awareness of the universe, and harmony between the physical and spiritual realms.

Now, after the second god Altan Chadagch, and the third god Odsuren, the god Buddha succeeded as Buddha Shakyamuni. He was born 2567 years ago in this succession order. Therefore, during the period from the previous three gods’ eras until today’s Buddha Shakyamuni’s era, many important literatures and literary prophecies have been recorded, which are crucial to the future of Buddhism.

For example, the ancient god Kakusandha and the next god Konagamana both prophesied about human spirits and minds. These prophecies foretell that people will have to spend a lot of time in order to understand their existence. It is said that it will take eras for self-awareness, because human beings first must evolve, then explore themselves, study themselves, and analyze themselves. The beginning of human life always begins with self-study. This is how it was predicted and taught.

These prophecies and teachings of the first two gods fulfilled at the time of the third god Kassapa, which is called Keeper of the Light in Mongolian. By what criteria was the fulfillment proven? The prophecies made by the previous two gods have actually started to be realized in human life and civilization.

During this third god period, people made great efforts to gain self-awareness. They tried to communicate with their minds, by communicating with their minds they started to know the spirits. They began to study themselves using many tools. Hence there was this period when people began to devote time for knowledge of oneself. The period of thinking has begun. They began to search for mentality, spirituality, such as good and bad thoughts, and etc. They started the search within

themselves. In order to connect their way of life with the world, many methods were explored and exploited.

Because people began to interact with things like wind, water, fire, and air, which are created by nature, and recognized their essence, the period of the third god Odsuren has reached a fairly advanced development. This is not the teaching of the previous two gods. According to the prophecy, more results were achieved through the god Odsuren.

After the third god Odsuren, the Keeper of the Light, the Kassapa, there came the fourth god, the Buddha Shakyamuni to the world in the form of a human being from the Gandan Paradise. He began to open the door to the nature of the mind with many teachings and doctrines. Then the Buddha explained that the mind, more precisely, the human mind, although enclosed by a tiny physical body, is a huge world of consciousness and spirituality. To a person, it looks like a small entity consisting of only organs, but it has been clearly discovered that my mind is such a thing that contains a lot of hidden worlds, the spiritual world. That is why some prophecies of Buddha are coming true.

Yet, many of the prophecies remain unsolved as enigma. There are many Buddhists, Buddhism scholars and researchers from many countries who are trying to discover them. Buddha always delivered his teachings of spirituality and of god verbally as were the circumstances in which he lived at that time. The teachings he lectured verbally were not written down in the form of scriptures at that time. But 400-500 years after the Buddha, his disciples wrote his teachings down on paper and converted them into texts. Therefore, Buddha’s teachings have been passed down to us through his disciples.

For example, there is the Apheo Dharma theory of Buddhism teachings. Apheo Dharma is the theory of manifest Dharma. On top of that, the origin of the universe and all the important aspects of Buddhist knowledge are included in the Apheo Dharma Sutra.

One of the examples is the secret of the spiritual kingdom of Shambhala. And even today, Buddhists are working very hard to learn more about the kingdom of Shambhala.

Whether it is in the teachings of Buddhism or in the achievements of science, there is a conclusion that if you find the door that opens the whole universe, it is the kingdom of Shambhala. In the Sutras of Apheo Dharma, god Buddha spoke about the kingdom of Shambhala as a very powerful spiritual kingdom. This kingdom regulates the cycle of time in which the world exists, and all the events of the past, present and future of not only human beings but also of the world of animals. And in this world, there is the ruler King who is all powerful, and even his subjects, the army has great hidden spiritual power. Then when will this kingdom be revealed? According to the teachings of Buddhism, it is mentioned that the secret of the kingdom of Shambhala will be revealed because of the actions of an evil person living in the physical world. That’s the time when the doors to the kingdom of Shambhala be opened. Furthermore, at the time, when the doors to the kingdom of Shambhala has been opened, there would be such a harsh time in the world that so many wars, disasters, apocalypse with so much fire, water, and wind would break out. So, this has become a very interesting topic for researchers and Buddhist scholars alike.

In general, most of the writings and prophecies of Buddha are about the existence of forms and figures of gods, such as various portraits and idols. Starting from Buddha to the many different forms of gods are the images of gods that have been created by imagination of the mind, which is the main representation of Buddhism. In other words, there are many paintings with historical, theoretical and doctrinal significance of Buddhism.

And since there is no time to explain them all at one sitting, today I have briefly introduced to you the fulfillment of the prophecies of Buddhism. Thank you all for your attention.

IRPA Week 1 Lectures on “Prophecy & Fulfillment”

2) Christianity

Hello. To all the Religious leaders who are attending the ‘Religious Peace Academy’. Nice to meet you.

Shalom, Assalamu Alaikum, Namaste, May peace and love always be with you.

I am Lee Ki-won, a Christian Instructor (lecturer) who will give the presentation on behalf of Christianity. I hope our meeting today will be a positive contribution and a good opportunity to achieve harmony and peace among religions around the world.

Yes, today I would like to give a presentation from the Christian Scripture, the Bible, on the theme of ‘Prophecy and Fulfillment’. Christianity recognizes and believes the Bible given by God is the Christian scripture. The Bible, the Christian scripture, is divided into two main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Here, ‘Testament’ means ‘Covenant, Promise’. That is why the Bible is also called the 'Book of Promise (Covenant)'.

A promise is something that is said in advance before it is fulfilled, so it can also be called a 'prophecy' which is also something said in advance that will come true.

Now then, I will tell you within the two promises of the Bible, the Old Testament, and the New

Testament, what are the promises, if it is a prophecy, and how they are fulfilled.

The Old Testament of the Bible, which means old covenant (promise), consists of 39 books from Genesis to Malachi. The content of the promise in the Old Testament is that God promised to send the Son of God, the Savior, to those who believe in Him.

About 2,000 years ago, as promised in the Old Testament, God fulfilled the promise by sending the Messiah, the Son of God, and Jesus proved that he is the Savior promised in the Old Testament. So then, what evidence did Jesus give to prove that he was the savior promised in the Old Testament? He proved that he was the promised savior through the fulfillment of the promised prophecy, that is, through the method of prophecy and fulfillment.

I will give you an example. In the Old Testament, in Micah 5, it was prophesied the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, and it is recorded in the Bible that the Messiah was born in Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, according to the prophecy. It is also promised that the Messiah will ride on a colt when he enters Jerusalem. As recorded, when Jesus came, he fulfilled the promise of the Old Testament by riding on the colt of a donkey and entering the city of Jerusalem.

In this way, approximately 2,000 years ago, Jesus proved that he was the Messiah sent by God by fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament that were recorded hundreds of years before Jesus was born. This is called prophecy and fulfillment.

Let me ask you a question here. In the painting you see now, Jesus, the Messiah, enters Jerusalem. There is a picture of Jesus riding a donkey and a picture of Jesus riding a sheep. Who is the Messiah who came as promised?

Yes, that is right. Jesus, riding on a donkey, is the true Messiah. The reason is because one of the pieces of evidence of the Messiah is he is promised in the Old Testament to ride on a colt.

Let's see another picture. One is a picture of Bethlehem in Judea and the other is New York in the United States. Which of these two places was the birthplace of Jesus, the Messiah? Yes, correct. Bethlehem in Judea. The Messiah born in New York cannot be the true Messiah. The reason is because it was prophesied that the place where the Messiah would be born would be Bethlehem.

In this way, when God sent His Son, the Savior, He made various prophecies in advance as a basis for confirming and believing in him. That is why many people around the world are saying that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah.

However, there is not only the Old Testament in the Bible, but also the New Testament, which is the prophecy that Jesus promised. This New Testament is the promise that Jesus fulfilled, the old, and the new promise he made.

The New Testament consists of 27 books, from Matthew to Revelation. The New Testament records what Jesus promised to those who believe in him when he returns. In particular, in the book of

Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, when Jesus returns, he tells in detail when, where, and how he will come and everything he will accomplish when he returns. Also, in Revelation 22:16, it is promised about the messenger of prophecy sent by Jesus who will testify these things when the book of Revelation is fulfilled.

It is very important to know exactly what the promises of the New Testament are. The reason is, if you do not know the promises recorded in the New Testament, that is, the prophecies, you cannot believe the promises even if they are fulfilled. And if you misunderstand them, you will not be able to meet Jesus when he returns.

That is why I would like to take this opportunity today to introduce to the religious leaders and all the religious people how the Book of Revelation, the last prophecy in the Christian Bible, was recorded, what it contains, and what we need to know.

The reason is because Jesus said in John 14:29, what is told to you before it happens, is so that when it is fulfilled you will believe. That is why these scriptures must be known before they are fulfilled.

This is not something that only Christians with the Bible should hear and know, but since the fulfillment of the Book of Revelation applies to all people in the whole world, even if you believe in other religions, if you do not know the contents of the New Testament Revelation when it is fulfilled, even when you see it you will not believe it.

Let me ask you a question using the New Testament prophecies. I will show you two pictures (Picture 1: Jesus coming on a cloud. Picture 2: Jesus coming on a white horse) Now, which one is the picture drawn according to the promise of the Bible?

Both pictures are correct. It is promised that Jesus will come on a cloud, and it is also recorded that he will ride a white horse. Aren't you curious about the meaning of the words, ‘coming on a cloud and coming on a white horse’? The answer to this meaning is clearly recorded in the Bible, the Christian scripture, so I will tell you the answer the next opportunity we have.

As we have just seen, if we do not know the contents of the promises of the Bible, we will not be able to attain life if we make wrong choices, so it is important to know the Bible correctly. In particular, I would like to tell you that God proves that He is the true and living God by fulfilling all the prophecies without any exception.

Just as a person who keeps what he promises is a trustworthy person and a friend, a trustworthy scripture will be a reliable scripture if all promises are fulfilled without anything missing. That scripture is the Bible, and I would like to introduce this groundbreaking scripture to you in a very easy and fun way.

I also want to listen with interest to the contents of the scriptures presented by the religious leaders today. This is because, if you do not know the scriptures of each religion, you cannot believe the contents made according to the scriptures. If the religious leaders gathered here today introduce

the scriptures of each religion with a sense of mission, I think it will be a beneficial time to learn and explore together.

Next time, I would like to introduce the last book of prophecy in the Christian scriptures, the Book of Revelation.

Thank you for your attention.

IRPA Week 1 Lectures on “Prophecy & Fulfillment”

3) Hinduism

May all be happy and may all be in good health.

May no one receive suffering.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.

I am Mahanubhav Goswami, Sushil Maharaj, Peethadhishwar, a saint who believes in Sanatan Dharma.

The question that was asked from me was that whether the prophecies that are made from time to time in our religion (Sanatan Dharma) prove to be true or something that has been said out of emotion.

What I believe is: Is our belief that is Sanatan Dharam based on such prophecies? And it has proved to be true in all cases.

Today I would like to about Treta Yug before you . Tretayuga was followed by Satyuga in which Rama killed Ravana. Everyone asks, why did this happen? They are curious as to why there was a war between Rama and Ravana.

Today I will try to explain this, it was prophesied that in Treta Yug, Maharaj Dashrath or Lord Vishnu will destroy the wicked by incarnating in the form of Ram. There was a world war in Treta. The reason why it happened was the clash of two cultures, one culture which believed in Arya culture and the other in Rakshvaad. Both were humans and both were scholars.

Lord Ram did not have much power that he would kill an incarnation of god just like that. If that were so, then Ram would have just killed Ravana.

Then the education, the religion, the thing to be told to the people is not proven. The same happened in Treta when Lord Ram while fighting with two ideologies spoke about Satyamev Jayate. Meaning that at all times truth prevails and lie is defeated.

I believe that the birth of Lord Ram was to give a new path to humanity, What kind of friend, what kind of brother, what kind of enemy? If you cannot find these anywhere, you will find it in Ram Charitra Manas, which was written by Tulsi Das.

If Ram had not gone to the forest, which was an exile of 14 years, it was predicted that he would be the king, but it was also predicted that he would kill the wicked. If King Ram had not gone to the forest, then today we would not have worshiped him, had he not gone to the forest, then the Ram we know of today would not have been the same Ram.

If life talks about renunciation, penance and living a mere creature in the form of humanity, then our Ram Charitra Manas talks about it.

Even in that era, even after being the son of a king, Lord Ram predicted that he would kill the wicked. Ravana had all the means, he had a palace, but Ram was a forest dweller. He didn't have anything.

The Oarsman from Khevat Tribe rows a boat. Greeting the person, he said to bring the boat on the shore , all must cross the Ganga. Lord Ram along with Sita and lakshman had to cross the river. To cross the river they needed the help of the oarsman . The oarsman said that I will help you cross the river but I am afraid of You, because from the soil of your feet, ahilya turned from a stone to human being, so I am worried that if you get into my boat, my boat might break and sink .

"I am a poor person. How will I take care of my children?" See how the devotee is so pure.

He has devotion towards God. So Ram replied, "you must help us cross the river because that is your duty." When they crossed Ganga, then Ram had a thought that he must give something to the oarsman for helping them out. He looked towards Sita and asked if she had anything with her?

Sita gave her a Ring. The oarsman said , you are such a great human being but you and I are the same. Lord Ram help people to cross this world and I help people to cross the river. Then a prince ,the son of the king ( Ram) hugs the oarsman. It's a very meaningful message from Ram.

Another example is Bhilni. Bhilni knew very well that Ram will come in search of Sita, because this is

a prophecy that she received from her teacher . There will be incarnation of Ram , Ram will come. She meditated for 100 years and she knew that Ram’s avatar will come. As Ram went searching, she had berries. She used to stay in the forest, she ate the berries and gave to Ram and Ram also ate it. He kept eating it for a long time. Then Sita asked him to stop eating it or else he might have stomach ache . Then Ram responded saying ,that he is hungry for love. Sita replied , all these berries are eaten by Bhilni , what if something happens to you? Ram said that he doesn't discriminate among his disciples, no one is smaller or bigger.

If we are a devotee of Ram then we will have to do this. Nobody is lower or higher, if Ram can eat half eaten berries then we should not have any issue sitting with them and eating with them. This was a prophecy. Ahilya was a cursed woman who was exiled from the society. She used to stay in the jungle. Becoming a stone means she was staying in the forest. Lord Ram went to her and gave her salvation. This is the character of Ram, for humans. If God can do this in Treta Yuga then people in the Kali yuga who chant the name of Ram must follow the characteristics of Ram.

The nation of India is for all, it's yours too and mine too. This is a great country, the culture of this country is great. There are bad times and good times. Here Persians, and Arab people came, they mingled with us but they couldn't erase us. The British also came masking in the form of businessmen, they had the authority for business. This is our history, this is our culture. We believe in many religions. But with regards to name of the country and  name of humanity, India establishes a value standard in the whole world.

We are No. 1, there is unity in diversity. I hope that those who speak about Ram must show the values of Ram through their life. Through this people can get power and we have to reduce the people who have negative thinking.

Those who are indulged in politics their race or religion won't be asked. If their actions are good, no matter the religion be it, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christianity, they all are my brothers. Come let’s walk together, by being one.

We must hug each other and that's the prophecy for India.  Now the time has come when we all should come together and lead this country in the world.

We have to work for world Peace.

Om Shanti Shanti.

IRPA Week 1 Lectures on “Prophecy & Fulfillment”

4) Islam

Hello fellow participants in the good work of HWPL under the able leadership of Chairman Lee, may peace be upon you all.

As we are all aware, one tends readily to believe a piece of information if it has been provided by someone whose previous information had proven to be correct.

In Islam, prophecy is about predictions made by Allah or any of His Prophets regarding future events in the present life or the Hereafter. However, the ultimate goal of such prophecies in Islam, is mainly to engender faith in the eventual fulfilment of the divine prophecies relating to the Hereafter.

Thus, fulfilment of the prophecies relating to the present life is mainly a means of assuring people that those relating to the Hereafter are going to be fully fulfilled as well.

Five categories of prophecies mentioned in the Qur’an and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) are identifiable: 1) prophecies of historical nature; 2) those relating to the authenticity of the Qur’an as the unchanged and unchangeable Word of Allah; 3) prophecies of scientific nature; 4) those relating to signs of the end of Time; and 5) those that predict the events of the Hereafter.

Bismillah Al rahman Al rahim. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Those that are of historical nature include but not limited to the following:

1. In the Qur’an 2:30 recorded the almighty Allah gave information to the angels that He was about to create a vicegerent on earth. Eventually, Allah fulfilled this prophecy by creating Adam (Peace Be Upon Him) and then his wife;

2. Allah warned Adam that Iblis/Shaytan was an enemy to him and so, he should be on his guard lest the enemy would mislead him (Qur’an 7:22). The prophecy was fulfilled, as Adam was off his guard and the Shaytan took advantage of him (Qur’an 2:35-36; 7:22; 20:117-122).

3. In the Qur'an, Iblis is the Shaytan. In the Quran, Iblis, that is Shaytan (Q7:14; 15:36; 38:79 and Q20:120), had been given the knowledge that Adam and his wife would have offspring (the Arabic word يبعثون points to the passive plural, not dual) and so it was not just reference to Adam and his wife alone, but also to their offspring. And again, it is an indication of the fact that human beings will surely die in the end of the day and would be resurrected for life after death.

Obviously, the first part of this prophecy has since been fulfilled; as both Adam and his wife have had children and offspring including ourselves and those that are yet to be born. And Q2:259 is clearly proof that all humans will be resurrected on Judgment Day.

Again, in the Qur’an there are references to define that almighty Allah assured that He would send messages of guidance to mankind. Allah has since fulfilled this prophecy by raising prophets from within every nation (Q16:36), the first of whom was Adam himself (pbuh) (Q3:33) while the last was Muhammad (pub) (Q33:40). Allah fulfilled His promise to support His Prophets against their enemies in Qur’an(Q 37:171-173; 58:21). Examples of this include: Prophet Nuh/Noah and his enemies (Q11 :3649; 23:23-30);

Prophet Musa (pbuh) and the Children of Israel safely crossed the Red Sea miraculously while Fir‘awn and his troops drowned in the same Red Sea as they pursued them (Q 7:103 - 136; Q 10:75-92; Q 20:24 - 80; Q 28:32-40).;

Allah fulfilled His prophecy stated in Q10:90-92 to preserve and expose the body of Fir‘awn for generations of human beings to learn lessons from. The body of Pharaoh of the time of Musa (probably Rameses II) has since been identified and kept in the Egyptian museum.

Prophecies relating to the authenticity of the Qur’an and victory of Muslims include, but not limited to, the following:

1. Muhammad (pbuh) was entirely unlettered (Q7:157; Q29:48; 42:52). Yet, Allah taught him to recite the revelation sent through him and he never forget the contents (Q87:6).

Allah guaranteed the correct recitation and compilation of the Qur’an and fulfilled these prophecies eminently (Q75:17, 18).

True to assurances from Allah, the whole of humanity has failed to produce the like of even the shortest chapter of the Qur’an, as the Book is the Word of God, not that of human being (Q17:88; Q11:13; Q2:23-24; Q10:38).

To cap it all, Allah has fulfilled His promise to protect the Qur’an from corruption despite the passage of more than 1400 years and despite efforts by detractors (Q15:9; 41:42).

Thus, the Book remains guidance for humanity to the end of Time.

True to Allah’s assurance to Muslims in Q30:2-4, the forces of the Byzantine Christian Empire eventually defeated the infidel Persian forces despite the initial victory of the latter. Incidentally, it is really amazing how robustly Allah fulfilled His prophecy to Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) that people from all parts of the world would come to Makkah to perform hajj (Q 22:26 - 27).

It is pertinent to note that Allah promised to show to mankind His signs in the horizons and in themselves so that it shall be manifest to them that the Qur’an is indeed the Truth (Q41:53).

A few examples will suffice as illustration. The renowned embryologist, Prof. Keith Moore was amazed when he came across phases of the embryological development of the child as described in Q23:1214 and elsewhere in the Book as well as in the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Consequently, he declared that the Qur’an could not be the word of man, as no one possessed any such knowledge anywhere in the world at the time the Quran was

compiled. He then requested the incorporation of these divine statements in the appropriate sections of a new edition of his book, The Developing Human.

Modern science discovered how the gender of the child is determined by chromosome characteristics and that it is the male’s sperm that dictates whether the child will be boy or girl. This is a statement contained in the Qur’an revealed 1400 years ago (Q53:45, 46).

Back in the 7th Century, Allah asserted in Q41:53 the uniqueness of the individual’s finger tips, and that everyone will be resurrected with that identity on Judgement Day. It was only in the 19th Century that modern science discovered that no two persons bear the same fingerprints.

In the Qur’an, Allah states that mountains go past like clouds (that is, along with the earth in the course of the rotation movement), even though people think that they are stationery. That was at a time when people thought that the earth was flat.

In the Qur’an(Q31:31), Allah informed about the geological function of mountains: as pegs ‘‘so that the earth would not move under our feet’’. Until centuries later, people did not realize that mountains were created to protect the earth and human beings.

The above passages of the Qur’an relating to scientific facts are only a few of the numerous scientific

statements which predated discoveries made by human beings.

Allah knows best what He has created (Q67:18)

The fourth Catagory of Prophecies are those about the signs of the end of time. These are prophecies about numerous signs of the end of Time found mainly in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

They are categorized broadly as Minor Signs and Major Signs. Some of the Minor Signs have already occurred while the Major ones will occur when life on earth is about to end. As long as the Minor Signs are still occurring, the door of forgiveness remains open. However, the moment the very first of the Major Signs occurs, the door of forgiveness is shut.

There are so many examples of these signs mentioned in the books of Hadith which are the records of the saying of prophet Mohammad. About the Major signs of the end of time according to Islamic prescription, is the rise of the sun from the West rather than from the East. Then the Trumpet will be blown for the first time and that will bring the whole world to an end.

One prophecy of this nature that is emphasized again and again in the Qur’an is the assurance of resurrection (Q3:9, 25; 4:87). Responding to those who openly rejected the idea of resurrection, Allah ordered His Prophet (pbuh) to assure them that the One Who brought them into existence in the first instance is capable of giving life to the rotten bones, as He has full knowledge of all things (Q36:79). These prophecies also include the fact the assembly of humanity on that day shall take place on a new earth other than this one on which we live at present (Q14:48).

The resurrection will take place immediately after the Trumpet is blown the second time. At the Assembly, every person will be presented the record of all their deeds while on earth and will be ordered, Read your own book; you suffice as your own judge today (Q17:14). While the righteous shall enjoy an incredible level of bliss in al-Jannah (Paradise), the infidel will endure suffering everlastingly in hell fire (Q39:71, 72; 69:19 - 37).

Fellow participants in the good work of HWPL, such is the Islamic concept of prophecy and fulfillment. From the Islamic standpoint, such is the recompense which the whole of life on Earth is all about, and the end result which all prophecies and their fulfillment drive home!

Thank you very much for your kind attention.

IRPA Week 1 Lectures on “Prophecy & Fulfillment”

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguruji ki fateh.

Greetings. Congratulations on the successful hosting of this worldwide event, the Religious Peace Academy.

I am extremely delighted to deliver a message in front of thousands of religious leaders from around the world.

First, Allow me to explain the meaning of the Sikh greeting I used at the beginning, 'Waheguru ji ka khalsa, waheguruji ki fateh.'

"Waheguru ji" refers to the Lord God. "Ka" signifies "His" or "belonging to Him."

Thus, "khalsa" belongs to Waheguru. "Khalsa" denotes purity.

We can only attain purity if we see God in all beings, free from lust, anger, greed, attachments, ego, and hate.

5) Sikhism

<Congratulatory Message from Singh Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib>

Therefore, "Waheguru ji ka khalsa" means purity belongs to Waheguru, the creator God.

"Fateh" means victory.

We are victorious only when we learn, love, and follow the Guru's teachings. Thus, "Waheguru ji ki fateh" implies that if we become pure and embrace the Khalsa, any victory we achieve is attributed to Waheguru.

In the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, it states that the victory bestowed upon us by God belongs to Him, the Lord God.

Only after following the Guru's teachings and becoming part of the Khalsa will be blessed with His victory.

The origin of all religions is the One Creator, and all the religious leaders who are present at this event are brothers and sisters under God.

Therefore, in the context of Sikh greetings, it signifies that God will be with us during this time, and consequently, victory will be bestowed upon us.

We express our gratitude to HWPL for organizing the platform for religious harmony.

It is an honor to be invited to the Religious Peace Academy, where we can deepen our understanding of each other's religions.

Through this event, I hope that you will acquire profound knowledge of scriptures from various religions.

May this be a time to establish a foundation for true and meaningful peace based on understanding each other's religions.

I heard that today's lecture is about Prophecy and Fulfillment. In Sikh Scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, Lord God is the one who always keep his promise for blessing. He is Inner-knower and Searcher of our hearts. He gives blessing to “Gurmukh” who lives life in accordance with the teachings of Guru. On the other hand, "Manmukh," refers to someone who follows their own ego and desires instead of following the guidance of the Guru.

The result of being Manmukh is that they remains spiritually ignorant and disconnected from the divine. God’s promise is that he will give blessing Gurmukh not to Manmukh.

Therefore, I do hope we become Gurmukh who follows God’s Divine word and get blessing.

Even though our religions are different, our creator God is the one, that is why we are here with

the one heart for world peace. I want to assure the esteemed assembly of respected ambassadors from various religious faiths. And Sikhs have consistently advocated for world peace, mutual respect among religions, and the empowerment of women and youth in our society. Our goal is to foster peaceful coexistence and create a better world for future generations.

I extend my best wishes for the success of this Religious Peace Academy organized by HWPL.

Thank you.

<Lecture from Sardar Inderpal Singh>

My fellow brothers and sisters and beloved spiritual guides ambassadors of divine wisdom, and revered leaders from every corner of our sacred Earth,

I stand before you today to unravel the enigmatic dance between prophecy and fulfillment, as illuminated by the profound teachings enshrined within the sacred pages of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

With utmost reverence, I shall weave a tapestry of words, adorned with the timeless wisdom of the Gurmukhi script, in both its original form and the gentle embrace of English translation.

In the ethereal realm of prophecy, the Guru's voice echoes through the corridors of time, transcending the limits of mortal perception. It beckons us to delve into the mystic depths, where past, present, and future intertwine like celestial threads woven by the Divine Weaver.

Each verse, resplendent in its spiritual resonance, dances upon the lips of the devoted, whispering secrets untold.

That means that The world is my friend, the Name is my support, O my Lord.“

And again, Guru Granth Sahib says ~ all, everyone is friend.

In these words, we discover the sacred essence that sustains every soul, irrespective of creed or lineage.

It is the eternal bond between the Creator and creation, a testament to the inseparable connection that unites us all.

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguruji ki fateh.

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguruji ki fateh.

From the sacred verses of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, a celestial symphony unfolds, revealing prophecies etched upon the very fabric of existence.

They resonate through the ages, holding within their mystical embrace the seeds of future manifestation.

Like celestial messengers, these prophecies guide us, offering a glimpse into the divine plan that weaves the tapestry of destiny.

Guru says, "ਮੈ

That means that “I myself, with my folded hands, beg for this blessing; I am Your slave.”

In this humble plea, we find the eternal longing to align our will with the Divine, to surrender to the grand design that unfolds with celestial precision.

It is through this surrender that prophecies find their fulfillment, as the hand of the Divine orchestrates the cosmic symphony of existence.

As we traverse the ethereal landscape of prophecy, let us bear witness to the fulfillment of divine promises embedded within the tapestry of time. From the profound teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, we discern the radiant glow of these prophecies, illuminating the path of our collective journey.

Guru again says "ਸਤਿਗੁਰ

That means “By Guru's Grace, the spoken words came to pass.".

In these sacred words, we glimpse the profound interplay between the Divine will and the guiding light of the Satguru.

Through the grace of the Guru, prophecies come to life, transmuting the ethereal into the palpable, and the intangible into the manifest.

Dear leaders of faith, let us embrace the harmonious convergence of prophecy and fulfillment, recognizing the universal truth that transcends our diverse spiritual paths.. Like stars adorning the celestial tapestry, we gather under the canopy of shared wisdom, as we bear witness to the unfolding destiny of humanity.

From the depths of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, let us now embark on a spiritual journey, traversing the pages that hold within them the profound revelations of prophecy and fulfillment.

As we conclude this sacred exploration, let our hearts be filled with gratitude for the divine guidance bestowed upon us, and let our spirits be ignited with a renewed sense of purpose and unity.

In the timeless verses of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, we find a reservoir of wisdom that transcends the boundaries of time, space, and belief.

It is a testament to the infinite possibilities that lie within the interplay of prophecy and fulfillment, a reminder that the Divine Plan encompasses the entirety of creation. As we return to our respective paths, may we carry with us the flame of understanding and compassion ignited within this gathering. Let us embrace the richness of diversity, for it is through the tapestry of our varied traditions that we weave a radiant mosaic of spiritual enlightenment. May we continue to nurture the seeds of prophecy within our hearts, allowing them to blossom into actions that bring solace, healing, and transformation to a world in need. Let us be beacons of hope and beacons of love, inspiring others to walk the path of righteousness and unity. In the spirit of reverence and unity, let us honor the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, recognizing that the fulfillment of prophecy lies not in the distant future but in the choices we make today, as we strive to manifest a world that reflects the divine virtues of compassion, justice, and harmony.

Together, as guardians of faith and seekers of truth, let us transcend the limitations of our individual identities and embrace the oneness that unites us all.

In this union, may we find strength, inspiration, and the collective power to create a world where prophecy and fulfillment coalesce into a symphony of peace, understanding, and unconditional love.

As Edmund Berk said "when bad men combine the good must associate unless they will fall one by one. I may convey my message, let us share our knowledge, let us share our experiences, let us share our sources. May the blessings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji guide us on our respective journeys, and may our collective efforts illuminate the path towards a brighter and more harmonious future for all of the humanity for a sustainable world peace.

I complete my word with the beautilful part of our daily prayer. Let us uphold the the sacred name of the Almighty God, and with his grace and will pray for the welfare of all.

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguruji ki fateh.

Week 1 Lecture Summaries

Religion Summaries on “Prophecy and Fulfillment”

The prophecies in Buddhist texts highlight gods who will spread the religion, shape human minds, and illuminate the universe.

Buddhism

Shambhala, an essential aspect of Buddhism's history and teachings, is depicted as a powerful spiritual kingdom regulating time and events for humans and animals. The ruler possesses immense hidden spiritual power, and the kingdom's secrets will be revealed due to the actions of an evil person. This will lead to a time of wars, disasters, and apocalyptic events.

In Christianity, prophecies are promises made by God. Jesus came 2,000 years ago to prove he was the savior promised in the Old Testament and establish a new covenant.

Christianity

Old Testament: includes prophecies fulfilled by Jesus 2,000 years ago New Testament: records prophecies of when and where Jesus will return and what he will do, especially in the Book of Revelation.

Hinduism

The prophecies of Sanatan Dharma include the events of a battle against the demon king, Ravana during the Treta Yuga. The purpose of this entity’s existence was not only to defeat Ravana with his divine power, but also to teach humanity important lessons and demonstrate the triumph of truth over falsehood.

Islam

There are 5 categories of prophecies in the Qu’ran, which are 1) prophecies of historical nature; 2) those relating to the authenticity of the Qur’an as the unchanged and unchangeable Word of Allah; 3) prophecies of scientific nature; 4) those relating to signs of the end of Time; and 5) those that predict the events of the Hereafter.

At the end times, the righteous enjoy bliss in paradise (al-Jannah), while the unbelievers suffer eternally in hellfire.

Sikhism The prophecies are described as subtle echoes of the voice of the Guru, guiding us beyond time into deeper spiritual understanding.

3. IRPA Week 2 Lectures

Lecturers for Week 2 of IRPA Lectures

1) Buddhism Phra Sithawatchamethi, Vice-abbot to the Royal Monastery Wat Pa Lelai, Suphan Buri

• Principal, Pali school of Wat Palelai, Suphan Buri

• Formally Director to Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC) And Director of ASEAN Studies Centre and MCU International Master of Arts Program (IMAP)

2) Christianity Lee Jeong-woo, Tribe Leader of Peter Tribe, Shincheonji Church of Jesus

• Peter Tribe Leader (February 2023 ~)

• Head of Department of Education, Gwangju Church, Peter Tribe (November 2016 – February 2023)

• Head Instructor, Suncheon Church, Peter Tribe (June 2016 – November 2016)

• Head of Department of Education, Gwangju Church, Peter Tribe (August 2015 – June 2016)

3) Hinduism H.H. Gita Manishi Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Global Inspiration and Enlightenment Organization Gita

• Head Swami and Founder, Shri Krishan Kripa Dham Hindu temple (2018)

• Hindu Gaurav Award recipient by Hindu Takht (2016)

• Founder, Global Inspiration and Enlightenment Organization of Gita (2012)

• Member of the HWPL Solidarity of Religions' Peace Committee (2018~)

4) Islam Sheikh Mohammad Al- Yaqoobi, Grand Ayatollah of Iraq

• Member of the HWPL Solidarity of Religions' Peace Committee (2018~)

• Established the Islamic Virtue Party (since 2003)

• Began lectures on external research attended by more than 200 distinguished professors of the scientific seminary (since 2006)

• Published over 90 books

• Established charitable organizations and one of the largest women’s Hawzas (seminaries) in Iraq

5) Sikhism Balwinderpal Singh, Honorary Chief Editor of Punjabi monthly “Sada Virsa Sada Gaurav”of Guru Gobind Singh Study Circe, HQs Ludhiana

• Honorary Chief Editor of Punjabi monthly “Sada Virsa Sada Gaurav”of Guru

• Gobind Singh Study Circe, HQs Ludhiana

• Ex HOD of Economics Deptt, GHG Khalsa College, Gurusar Sudhar

• Written books on Sikh Ethics & Socio Economic Development

• PHD Research work " Human resource Development Process with Respect to Gurbani"

IRPA Week 2 Lectures on “Signs of the End Times & a New Era”

1) Buddhism

Hello, my name is Phra Sithawatchamethi, a principal of Pali Sueksa SchooI of Wat Palelaiyaga, Suphan Buri Province, West of Bangkok, a capital of Thailand, I would like to present a lecture on behalf of Phra Theppavaramethi, Vice President of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Thailand as follows: It is my pleasure to give a lecture about the topic of <The Signs of the End Times & a New Era>, as a Buddhist lecturer of the Religious Peace Academy.

In Buddhist scriptures, there are not only records about the end times of the world that people usually think, but also records about the personal end times which is Nibbăana, the cessation of sufferings or the end of defilements (Kilesas in Pali), a Summon Bonum – a ultimate goal in Buddhism.

There is a prophecy about the ultimate destruction, the end of the world, from the 7 Suns in Aňguttara-Nikăya, VII, 6.2 Pali Canon as I quote: There will come a season, O monks! when, after hundreds of thousands of years, all seedlings, all vegetations, all plants, grasses and trees will dry up and cease to be...

There comes another season after a great lapse of time when a Second Sun will appear. Now all brooks and ponds will dry up, vanish, cease to be.

A Third Sun will dry the mighty Ganges and other great rivers. A Fourth Sun will cause the great lakes to evaporate, and a Fifth Sun will dry the oceans.

Finally: Again after a vast period of time a Sixth Sun will appear, and it will bake the Earth even as a pot is baked by a potter. All the mountains will reek and send up clouds of smoke.

After another great interval a Seventh Sun will appear and the Earth will blaze with fire until it becomes one mass of flame. The mountains will be consumed, a spark will be carried on the wind and go to the worlds of Brahma.

There is a prediction that will be ultimate destruction by 3 elements: Fire, Water, and Wind. There next would come a time when the world shrinks after five thousand years after the Lord Buddha’s passing-away. Then, the beginning of life on Earth comes from the realm of Brahmas with radiant luster. We call "Aphassara Prama."

And now, let’s have a look at the personal end times. There are two kinds of persons in Buddhism: Puthujjana (worldly person or ordinary man) and Ariya (noble person). And I give a note that the pairs of the noble persons in Buddhism are classified as follows: Sotāpanna, the Stream-Enterer. The Sakadăgămī, Once-Returner. And Anăgămī, Non-Returner, Arahant or the Worthy one, the holy one. These are the noble one in Buddhism.

The Buddha predicted that his teachings would be forgotten long time later, followed by turmoil. Then a bodhisattva named Maitreya will appear and rediscover the teaching of dharma.

According to the sub commentary, in Theravada Buddhism, the next bodhisattva Maitreya, will appear in this world after roughly 2,400 years from now on. At that time, all of puthujjana (ordinary man) can realize and reach Nibbana if they practice the Dhamma. So every Ariya(noble one) is the signs of the end times and only Buddha’s dhamma can make puthujjana change to Ariya(noble one). About this, I would like to share one story in Dhammapada 202.

This inspirational teaching was delivered by the supremely Enlightened Buddha(Tathâgata). While he was staying at Jetavana monastery in Savatti, concerning a young woman of a respectable family.

It seems that the parents of this young woman had arranged for her marriage to a young man of another rich family of equal status. Now the parents went to the Buddha and requested Him to bless the family on the occasion of this marriage.

Normally Buddhist monks do not attend to lay marriage ceremonies but they bless them on a separate function. The Buddha had seen though the possibility of bringing spiritual transformation in the bride and groom. So the Buddha went with his Eighty Great Disciples with the full knowledge of the things that lies ahead.

On that day, bride wore beautiful clothes and tried her best to take care of the Buddha and the Eighty Great Elders.

However, the groom couldn’t focus on Buddha and Eighty Elders because he couldn’t take his eyes off from his bride. He began to think about various things about the bride such as her beauty, her

accomplishments and all sorts of unwholesome thoughts which led to lustful thinking.

The Buddha became aware of his thoughts and wanted to stop his emotions. The Buddha applied his supernormal powers made the bride suddenly disappear from the view of the groom so that the groom looked at the Buddha, and the more he looked at the Buddha, the calmer he became and was quiet and controlled in mind by the spiritual influence of the Buddha.

And the Buddha understood that his mind has calmed down sufficiently, the Lord Buddha gave a spiritual teaching in a way that profoundly changed his life.

He said “Young man, No fire is there like lust; No crime like hatred; No suffering like five aggregates; There is no bliss higher than that of Nibbăyna.”

Natti Santiparam Sukham - No higher bliss that Nibbăna’s peace. Peace, the ultimate goal in Buddhism is no suffering at all.

By the time this discourse ended, both the young woman as well as her young husband was spiritually transformed though they were standing separately in two different places and still did not see each other.

Their minds were uplifted in a transcendental dimension of truth and they became established in the Supermundane state of Stream Entrance.

After the transformation, the Buddha withdrew His supernormal powers and both groom and bride saw each other and were happy but this time this happiness was borne of inner purity and not lust.

This shows that Dhamma could make the puthujjana (ordinary man) change to Ariya(a noble one). There are so many stories like this in the Buddhist scriptures.

Today, I shared about 2 perspectives about the end times in Buddhism. I hope it was helpful for you to realize.

Thank you.

IRPA Week 2 Lectures on “Signs of the End Times & a New Era”

2) Christianity

Greetings to the religious leaders from each country and all peace-loving family members who are attending this “Religious Peace Academy”. I am glad to see you all.

I am Lee Jeong-woo, a theology instructor of the Christian faith in Korea. I hope that today's meeting will be a good opportunity to bring forward the harmony and peace among religions around the world that we longed for so much. I am very honored to have this opportunity to deliver a speech representing Christianity in front of many religious leaders.

Now, The topic of my speech is 'The Signs of the End Times and the New Era’ as Described in the Christian Bible. Before I explain the content of it, I would like to ask you a question. What comes to your mind when you hear the word 'The End Times’? Don’t you think about the end of the earth by the nuclear war, an asteroid collision or a natural disaster? As if it is supporting your thoughts, lately, we hear such tragic and terrible news around the world. Ah, we get so afraid that the end of the world might come in this way.

But don't be afraid. According to the Christian Holy Scripture, Jesus talks about the end of the age in Matthew chapter 24 of the Bible.

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Matthew 24:6)

This is what Jesus is saying to those who met the era of the end times that 'such things' must happen before the end times are to come, assuring them not to be afraid.

Not only that, but thankfully, Jesus explained in detail about how will he give us salvation and open a new era after the signs of the end times.

Then, if we are aware of these signs and the way of salvation in advance, we can prepare ourselves for the end times, right? I can't tell you everything in detail through this time, but I would like to tell you briefly about the signs of the end times and the new era written in the Bible, the holy scripture of Christianity. If you can compare the contents of your respective religious scriptures while listening, I believe it will be a very interesting and beneficial time for all of you.

First, let's find out about the signs of the end times. The end times are referring to the 'end of the world'. And the sign means a signal for a certain event that will take place. For example, let's say that there comes a dark cloud, we think 'Oh, it will shower soon.', right?

Therefore, the dark cloud coming from the west is the sign for a shower. Also, when a pregnant woman begins to experience labor pains, she thinks that 'Oh, the baby will come out soon.’ Therefore, the labor pain of a pregnant woman is the sign of a childbirth.

Just like this, the sign of the end times is 'a certain event that takes place first to indicate that the end times have come. But we need to think about something first here. It's about the end times, which is the end of the world. Is the end of the world written in the Bible about the destruction of this earth where we're living in? Or does it have some other meanings?

Many parts of the Bible record about this, but today we will look into especially Matthew chapter 24, among the prophecies of the four gospels. The time is approximately 2,000 years ago, when Jesus came for the First Coming. Jesus said that not one stone of the Temple of Jerusalem will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down. So, the disciples who heard this asked the question to Jesus, 'When will this happen, which is the destruction of the temple of Jerusalem, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?' Jesus' answer to this question is in Matthew chapter 24, and Jesus said there will be wars, famines, and earthquakes in various places. And after that, even the sun, moon and stars will be darkened and fallen from the sky.

Everyone, let's put others aside and think about just the sun, moon and starts which are huge. What will happen if they fall? Wouldn't it be really the end of the world? This is the sign of the end times. But do you think the sun, moon and stars literally mean the real sun, moon and stars in the sky? If this question about the sun, moon and stars can be answered, we could also get the answer about the question of the end times, right?

There are many signs of the end times, but especially at this time, please let me briefly explain the true meaning of the sun, moon, and stars in the Bible.

In the Old Testament, Genesis chapter 26 verse 4, God said that He will make Abraham’s descendants

as numerous as the stars in the sky. In verse 9 to 11, he compared the family of Jacob, who was Abraham’s descendants to the sun, moon, and stars in the sky.

Then the sun, moon, and stars here is an expression that represent the chosen people who believe in God, like Jacob’s family. Then what is the meaning of sky, thus heaven where the sun, moon, and stars are? It means the tabernacle where God’s chosen people dwell.

Then, in today's main reference, what does it mean that the sun, moon, and stars are darkened and fallen?

In conclusion, it means God’s chosen people who are figuratively referred to the sun, moon and stars, became corrupt and all returned to the flesh and came to an end. In other words, the end of the sun, moon and stars is referring to the end of an era of the corrupt chosen people as they received judgment, not the end of the natural world. That is why it is said in Ecclesiastes 1:4 that generations come, and generations go, but the earth remains forever.

Now, what do you think? When you didn’t know about the end of the age and the signs of it, you probably had a vague fear of the end times. But as we have addressed one question based on the Bible, hasn't the fear of the end times disappeared? Like this, the signs of the end of the age, war, famine, and earthquake also have other spiritual meanings. Aren’t you curious about this? We are going to learn about this in the next lesson. It will be much more interesting than this time.

Now, finally, let’s find out what the relationship between the end times and the new era is. The end times refer to a world that ends and disappears. It has the same meaning as Hebrews chapter 8 verse 13, saying “He has made the first one obsolete, and what is obsolete, and aging will soon disappear.”

Then, what is the new era? It is a newly created world. When an era ends, it is not the end of everything, but there comes a new era that God begins with the creation of a new kingdom and new people. Referring to this, in Revelation chapter 21 verse 1, it says, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the frist heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.” The first heaven and first earth which had passed away refer to the corrupted world that is judged and comes to an end. The new heaven and the earth refer to a new kingdom and new people that open the new era. There is another saying similar to this.

Nam Sa-Go, a scholar and prophet in the mid-Joseon period said regarding the end times and the new era, it is 'Song-gu-young-shin Ho-si-jeol' which means that ‘a good time of seeing out the old and in the new’ has come. Why is it a good era then? He also called it as 'Sa-mal-seng-cho Shin-cheon-ji'. It means, in the new era, death will be ended and life, thus eternal life begins. Where does this happen? It happens in a new heaven and a new earth, which is in Shincheonji.

Everyone, isn't it a really good era when death ends, and life begins? Then, how does death end and life begin in the new heaven and the new earth? The answer is in Revelation chapter 21 verses 1 to 4. It happens because God and the kingdom of heaven, who have left due to the sin of men, come down here, at this very place of the new heaven and the new earth. I know that all the believers who

attended this event, including me, would have the same hope for heaven and eternal life. Wouldn’t it be great if this era comes? This era is the true new era without death.

If we want to achieve our hope for heaven and eternal life, shouldn’t we belong to this new era? Then, after what event does the new era come? Isn’t this time the most important time? You are curious, right? I will explain this in the advance lecture.

In today’s lecture, I explained about the ‘Signs of the end times and the New Era’ focusing on Matthew chapter 24 where the signs of the end times are partially recorded. In the advanced lecture, I would like to introduce a more special book. It is the last book of the Bible, and it is only about 13 pages. It is the book of Revelation. This book of Revelation contains not only signs of the end times but also a detailed record of when, where and how the new era will be created. With the advanced lecture, you will be able to fully understand the true meaning of the signs of the end times and the new era.

Once again, it was my honor to be able to deliver the word here where many religious leaders are gathered, and I sincerely thank everyone once again. And I hope we can continue to understand and communicate each other’s religion through the Religious Peace Academy to achieve peace together. As one of the believers like you, I will also pay attention to the presentations of other religious leaders and listen to them to learn.

We are one in freedom, peace and truth.

Thank you for listening until the end.

IRPA Week 2 Lectures on “Signs of the End Times & a New Era”

3) Hinduism

Bhagavad Gita is our holy book of Hindus, it is the faith of Hindus. But it is not only for Hindus, it is for the whole humanity. Bhagavad Gita is the pride book of India, but it is also true that Gita is not only for India but for the entire world. Looking into the past, you will see a very long history. And from that itself, it will be felt how much useful, meaningful, important, and necessary the sermon is given for the future.

It is about 5160 years ago.When there was an atmosphere of the Mahabharata war, there was preparation for war, and there was unrest.

Somewhere there was discord and distress among themselves. Somewhere in the whole environment there was tension, there was pressure, there was maliciousness. In such an environment, Lord Krishna preached to Arjuna as the representative of the future and till now see the divinity of Bhagavad Gita, comprehensive thinking of Bhagavad Gita that the problem that Arjuna was facing at that time, Arjuna was under the illusion, Arjuna became restless. And slowly Arjun went into depression.

These are exactly such steps when a man gets attached to his selfishness his desires, in his external pleasures. So, somewhere or the other he moves away from the generality and the same attachment

Om Om Om

becomes his tension.

The same tension gradually increases and takes the form of depression. The past that was with Arjun then and if you look at today's situation, the situation in the future, then you will feel that Arjuna's disease was a disease, today it has taken a global status.

Today, the tension rate is rising all over the world, stress is increasing, and somewhere we want to harm others in our selfishness. Hurt others to satisfy their ego.

As far as Duryodhan's position was concerned. Duryodhan only wanted to satisfy his ego, so he was not concerned with the happiness of others, but Gita preaches that God made Arjuna stable and made Arjuna aware of his duties. In today's topic, he should see how true the future shown by Gita is visible, how relevant it is visible today.

Today the clouds of war are hovering, and problems like Covid-19 are dominating the whole world that no science of the world or any leader of the world could understand it. Which shook the whole world. But where is the solution?

Gita is a solution. Mahatma Gandhi said about 100 years ago that Bhagavad Gita is my book of answers, a book of solutions.

But today the time is visible where there is unrest, instability, instability, confusion, and doubt. In this type of environment mental depression is increasing all over the world. The solution of the Geeta preaching of that time is visible today. And this problem is not to be read further, the answer to that is also in the Bhagavad Gita.

Agreed that Bhagavad Gita said to be happy in the happiness of others, and not to be disturbed by seeing the happiness of others is a very low level of thinking And being happy to see someone sad is not at all appropriate, not the condition of humanity. So Gita said that Hey Arjun! The man who sees everywhere as equal to himself, whether it is happiness or sorrow, he is considered the ultimate Yogi. Gita said that If you are feeling someone's pain as your own, then you are a real man. Otherwise, humanity is coming into question somewhere or the other today! There is no happiness in someone's happiness but there should be happiness in others' sorrow. Where is the Yogi to consider someone's pain as his own? It is absolutely not acceptable to promote your pride by making others suffer.

Then Arjun deviated from the path of duty, and Arjun started looking into the future. Arjun started thinking that if I do this, this will happen in the future, this will happen in the future. Gita gave this thought to make your present good. Because the future has no existence in itself.

The present will become the future hat’s why gita said “Karmanya Vadhikaraste Ma Fleshu Kadachna”.

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 47

Do your duty well. Don't worry about tomorrow. Can I do good for my ideal society? According to Gita, life should be such that it becomes some good inspiration for oneself and for others as well. Be a good example. The Gita has set an example. Be dutiful What is the best I can do to perform my duties well where I am? Then what do I get after that? Where such thinking is created, corruption increases. There is worry. When the children study and start thinking, what if the result is not like this?

Your energy has to be used in the present. It is wasted worrying about the future. If the present is not able to become good, then how can the future become good?

That's why Gita said, don't make the future your tension. Increase confidence in the present! Make the present good confidently so that the future will automatically become good.

The Gita has said to do one's work well. Gita said one more thing if you want permanent peace, people ask what is the need for spirituality.

Gita did not say to leave the behavior but Gita has said about balance. Gita took the matter of spirituality as a way of life. It has been taken as the way of life. Spirituality is that where Gita has taken God as the basis of truth which is a permanent existence. Gita said that if you want permanent peace, then it is certain that you have to make a base, permanent existence is only one.

Some may say, God or Lord, some may say Ishwar, some may say Brahma or Waheguru, some may say Allah or give other names. But it has to be accepted that there is only one Permanent Existence. It is the same inside all. As you can see, there are many electrical equipment, and the functions of all of them are different. But one thing has to be accepted there is a current inside everyone which is the same somewhere. Because of One electric current Different equipments are performing their respective functions. This is exactly the case, colors may be different, looks may be different, casts may be different, countries may be different. But one thing is certain according to Gita that within everyone! Divine Soul, the Divine Consciousness. Whatever may be said, there is one inside everyone.

When we consider this, then according to Gita, this is the only vision which is the vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Who brings the future worlds together as one family.

Today you will see that the world is just like a market. When we see physical activities outside! There is a lot of physical entertainment, but the mental peace is being lost somewhere or the other. Whatever was said to Arjuna at that time in Gita that there should be love and harmony among each other, Gita wants to see the world as one family.It is a world treatise, appearing like a family or like a market. If we follow the inspiration of Gita, then the future of the world can be that way where there will be peace. Where there is love where all humanity will smile.

Nowadays, there are many artificial sources to make a person smile without fear, how can I smile? But if the world accepts the Gita, then we have a firm belief that and we are assuring on behalf of our organization to the whole World. That by accepting the Gita, you will also get peace of mind. You will also get the message of world brotherhood. The world to come will be the world with divinity of peace and harmony. That's why I call upon you to live with Gita and learn how to live. Because Gita is

not only for me or for the people of India. It is not only for Hindus but it is for human beings, for all beings. Gita is for any human being who is restless and wants peace. Wants to see the future in the form of peace, take future towards the heights, and definitely by giving the foundation of the present gita give base to build such a beautiful and very high palace of the future, which will inspire humanity for years and years. remains.

Our best wishes for everyone. With this word, let's leave narrow-mindedness, leave small thinking and have an open mind, have an open gesture, have love for everyone and as much open mindedness will be.

As we see in the Gita, the sunlight is open to all. The winds blow freely for all. The sky is so open, So gita gave examples like this. Know that as the mighty wind blows, everywhere else rests in the sky. Just as one sun illuminates the entire solar system, as mentioned in the Gita, the sun gives light to all the same way. Let us also keep our thinking open and live according to nature, with the nature. Take the message from nature and live openly and humanity will smile. You'll be smiling and definitely smiling future ready to greet us all.

Many many best wishes.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.

IRPA Week 2 Lectures on “Signs of the End Times & a New Era”

4) Islam

A suspicion will befall you, and you will remain without knowledge and without an imam of guidance. Neither an infallible imam nor revelation descends from heaven, and he says, "You remain without knowledge and without an imam, you are aware of it, but the papers are mixed up and troubled and increasing,

Then isolate the right from falsehood and correct the error, it becomes very difficult

Of course, he is talking about this time, my brother the narrator speaker was in front of Imam AlSadiq (peace be upon him) and talking to him, and after Imam Al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) came Imam Al-Kazim (peace be upon him) Imams are present, but the Imam sends a message to our time.

What is the solution O son of the Messenger of Allah? How can we survive these suspicions?

He said, no one can survive of these suspicions, except for those who are praying the prayer of the Dua.

Teach us, O son of the Messenger of Allah, said "the narrator Abdullah bin Sinan" how to pray the prayer of the Dua?

He said: O Allah, O Merciful, O fixer of Hearts, keep my heart firm on your religion, this is how you

pray, keep one line and always repeat it, a one-line prayer, is useful to use it at such a time, the time of temptation and the time of suspicion.

And, "You say also with him," and I said, "O inverter of hearts and sights, the Imam has spoken his word as you have heard, O inverter of hearts, keep my heart fixed on your religion, there is no sights in the prayer.

But as it keeps rolling on our tongues and our ideas "that he is the inverter of hearts and sights."

And the narrator repeated, O steadfast of hearts and eyes, make my heart firm on your religion

The imam immediately paused and said that God Almighty is the Turner of hearts and eyes, it is true, He is the turner of hearts and eyes, but say exactly as I say,

I said, O steadfast of hearts, steadfast my heart, I did not say, O steadfast of eyes, you have added sight from yourself, it is true, God is the turner of hearts And sight, but I want you to stick to what I tell you

God Almighty is the Turner of hearts and eyes, but say as I say,

O steadfast of hearts, make my heart firm on my religion.

It means we benefit from it something, even if it is not appropriate because it is not permissible for us to add to the religion things that we have

Therefore, there are a lot of additions that have been added in the name of the rituals of Husayniyyah, their effects are negative on people and society, but they are marketed it ) or they accept it) as rituals and salvation and it is not permissible to be exposed to them,

Imam, at the level of the word Al-Absar, added the narrator and says, “This is a word is true, because God is indeed the transformer of hearts and eyes, but you have no right to add anything from yourself.

So, with this level, the Imam is accurate and does not allow to add anything, and you see that the prime preachers, Radud (Shiite religional vocalist) and others add extra from themself, not from an existing, reliable source or original, and he imagines that in this or example, there is Victory for the people of the Prophets house and promotion of their name, but this is what is not correct, so you can't use any way to achieve your purpose, the way you are going to use must be a legitimate way that considers the purpose, in the end of the narration, We benefit, Does the Imam’s accept that amount of the change or not?

So how do we find this expansion (in change) happen

There was general observation, the most important thing, I want to say that the Hadith says that this time there comes to you a fascination and a time of suspicions, a whirlpool of feelings, where you don't know truth from the lie, you don't know what is really behind it. These things are tools in order to pass on our interests, grievances and goals, then when we achieve them, these slogans are stepped over by the feet, and I think these examples are in your mind, so we don't need to come up with examples.

So at such a time, we say the prayer of the Dua, of course I claim that we must turn to the school of the people of the house, (God's peace be upon them), it's not just words that we read because there is peace with the people of the House.

They were communicating through the prayer, knowledge, hearts, behavior, morals and beliefs, and the Umayyad and Abbasid state was surrounding and encircling them.

And as you know, they ended their lives by killing with a sword or poison, and all of them was killed with a sword or poison.

In light of this siege, How the imams deliver their knowledge to the nation? While they are encircled by the enemies, by means of Dua, recite to them, and they see a treasure of knowledge, in which there is Dua, even when the police who wander around the Imam, a man who say duaa, they leave him alone and go away.

But when the narrators report the prayer, you understand the meanings that contain, so the pray for the people of the house is the school and benefit from it science and

knowledge, the Imam then with this does not just want to move the tongue with these words that do not exceed one line, he wants to say that you are in the time of suspicions and temptations, your job is steadfastness, and steadfastness is a step from the Lord and a step from the human, God Almighty steady you. It is also required of you to prove that you do not remain an shaken all shout and on the social media,

I don’t know what they call it comment or tweet!

And after all this nonsense and clowning, prove a grudge, the attitude that you have is legitimate evidence of it, if it is legitimate, walk with it, what you have does not, do not remain circumspect and remains shaky, expect, the prayers call for steadfastness, steady my heart, you are the one who prays from Allah, just by move the tongue and the words of does not bears fruit, like a person sitting in his yard, he does not go to work and say: Oh God, grant me.

God does not give him, Maybe he gives him sometimes but I tell the general rule, but stand up, go outside, knock the door and take the available opportunities God give you, is this not true?

Do not sit at home in front of your door, sleeping until noon and spending the all night on electronic devices and games, and God will compensate you? Who will? And for what?

So the prayer is half from Allah, half from Allah and half from you, you must move, and when you say, steady my heart, you too strive for steadfastness.

I remembered an example of some adventurers, who are adventurous to the point of madness, and he climbed using the rope and he suffered a lot and his life is subject to death and he climbed the mountain, it's really satisfying in some adventures, with a mountain from here and a mountain from there and two peaks connected by a rope and he comes walking on this rope to cross from here to there, so is this kind of adventures exist?

Okay this is how he can keep his balance, the least thing from his swing is to lose his balance And to fall in the valley.

So how can he cross from this summit to the other one?

As we see we are taking lessons from things that one thinks are entertaining things, but one is taking lessons from them, the stick is long in his hand with which he keeps his balance And so he walks until he crosses, so we need this stick to keep the balance with it, as not to swing, We swing and tilt with every wind and with every blown air, this means that we fall into this vast Valley, so we have to hold on. In another narration, I mean in another transmission of the same narration, the narrator asked, how do hold on? in the time of strife and suspicions, there is no Imam is infallible we could return to him, also there is no right knowledge, we can distinguish it, said the imam said (peace be upon him) in the answer "if that is, hold on to what is in your hands until it is true for you"

Do not make clowning and clamor, hold on to what you are, if something comes to you, the other hadiths also explain that, in the commandment he says break the waves of temptation with lifeboats, like the one at sea, when there are high waves in the sea, how do they survive then?

He needs a ship that is strong, durable, capable of breaking these waves and reaching the coast to safety, and these waves of strife are coming and does exist so, we are talking about the next step which is how we break these waves? breaking the waves of strife, the waves of strife exist

But how do we split these waves and reach the rescue ships, they cut the waves of sedition with the rescue ships, the rescue ships in the time of the infallibles, the peace of God.

And in a time after the infallibles and after the unseen, they drew the way for us and said, "Go to mujtahidin- Sharia scholars- and loyal people who sacrifice for you and spend their lives for the sake of your Hedaya, reform and guidance, these are the rescue ships.

Hold on to it, we live in such a time, this time is more than it is,

So our actions must be according to what this legal argument dictates to us and these are the lifeboats that the Immaculate nation has set for us, God's peace upon them, so that we reach the other side and split the waves of strife with lifeboats, we ask Allah Almighty for guidance and emphasis, and thank Allah, the Lord of the world, God's peace be upon our Master Bel Qassim Mohamed.

IRPA Week 2 Lectures on “Signs of the End Times & a New Era”

Honorable Audience, I am extremely happy to be a speaker of Religious Peace Academy in front of thousands of religious leaders around the world. We are all here to share our views and learn from the others.

About the era we are living in, which is Kali Yuga. Today's topic of lecture is regarding the era we are living in and the new era we will be facing in the near future.

Firstly, we shall discuss about the DARK AGE, the Kali Yuga in the light of sacred hymns of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The People living in this era are not interested in good Karma and as a result, we fail to be liberated.

On Page 160 & 161 SGGS, the unsaintly blockhead shall never understand, he babbles on and on, but he is Infatuated with Maya; worldly attractions & Materialism Blind and ignorant he shall never be reformed.

In this age, salvation comes only from the Lord’s Name. In this dark age of Kali Yuga, no one interested in good Karma or Sacred spiritual faith. This Dark Age was born in the house of Evil.

5) Sikhism

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguruji ki fateh.

O' Nanak, without the Naam, chanting meditating the Name of the Almighty lord, no one is liberated.

Guru Nanak Dev says on of Page 556 SGGS, In this dark age of Kali Yuga, o Nanak the demons have taken birth. The son is a demon, and the daughter is the chief of the demons. a demon; the wife is the chief of the demons.

In Asa Di Vaar, Guru Nanak Says about four ages of Indian tradition; O Nanak, the soul of the body has one Chariot and one charioteer, In age after age they change, the spiritually wise understand this" After mentioning three ages of Satyuga, Traytea and Duapar, Guru Nanak says in the Iron age of Kali Yuga, fire is the Chariot and falsehood the Charioteer.

We See on one side, this age is full of Scientific Research and Development, but thousands of Nuclear Arms and Deployed Missiles, pose a danger to the very existence of humanity Corruption and hunger are at their extreme.

Every spiritual Person is praying to Almighty to save this planet and humanity.

On Ang Page 710, Gurbani says, You are called the Lord and Master; the Guru of the world. We are called the lustful beings of the Dark Age of Kali yuga. Under the heading, slok Mardana; Pehla The Dark Age of Kali yuga lusty desires, filled with the wine of lusty desire the mind is the drunkard.

Anger is the cup, filled with Emotional Attachment and egotism is the server. (Ang 553)

How to Save ourselves in this dark age? To make our stay in on this Earth Planet Most successful, we try our best with worldly measures, brainy efforts and tricks, with rituals and religious looking activities.

Sikh Religion through Gurbani gives us the instruction that true spiritual attitudes and meditation in in holy congregation under Guru's Guidance and selfless service of humanity are the best methods of Salvation and to enjoy the Peace and tranquillity of Satya yuga and heaven

On Ang 513 Gurbani says," In the Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the devotees earn the treasure of the Naam, Name of Almighty, they obtain the Supreme Status of the Lord’s Court.

Fifty Sikh Master, Guru Arjun Dav ji gives all human beings the best suitable Path gives to of liberation sayings

O Nanak, meeting the true Guru, one comes to know the Perfect way,

While laughing, Playing, dressing and eating, he is liberated,

Oh Nanak meeting the true Guru, one comes to know the Perfect way,

While laughing, Playing, dressing and eating, he is liberated,

Watching the holy congregation at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, Bhatt, the divine Bard, Mathura

The Glory of Guru Arjan as follows – In Kali yuga Jahaj Arjan Guru, Sagal Srishat Lag Bitron.

In this dark age Kali Yuga, Guru Arjan in the Ship (Saviour) attached to Him the entire world is safely carried across. The implied meaning of this is that, listening to Gurbani; sacred hymns of Gurbani, following the words of the Masters adopting that way of life, one is liberated and enters the New Era.

Kali Yuga is the stage when the World will finally meet "Judgement Day" as described in many holy books. It is not known, when the end Comes, but it is believed that we still have a long way to go. At the end of Kali Yuga, it is believed that a new order of a peaceful global Society will be established.

Guru Granth Sahib says " The same moon rises, and Same Stars, the Same Sun shines in the sky The Earth is the same and the same wind blows. The age in which we dwell affects living beings, but not these bodies and natural Phenomena"

From above analysis, it is derived that Age is the dominance of a particular attitude.

Kali Yuga loses its impact where the influence of materialism diminishes eventually with the meditation of Almighty’s Name and true honest deeds. Gurbani inspires and encourages us to be progressive, do not see the past, with positive attitudes, be victorious while entering the New Era.

On Ang Page 1096, Guru ji says: “Look Ahead, don't turn your face backwards. O' Nanak be successful this time, you shall not be reincarnated again.”

On Page Aug 1129, Guru ji says " In this dark age Kali yuga many rituals are performed. But it is not the time for those. In this age Lord's Name is the most sublime.”

As Gurmukh, the true spiritual, be lovingly attached to Truth & Truthful God

I want to express my gratitude to HWPL team for arranging this meaningful webinar for the welfare of all humanity. Along with all of you, I also pray to Almighty to grant the power to world leaders to take the global community into a New Peaceful Era of love for eternity and complete abolition of poverty and illiteracy.

Thank you all.

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguruji ki fateh.

Week 2 Lecture Summaries

Religion Summaries on “Signs of the End Times & a New Era”

Buddhism

In regards to the end times, it was mentioned in the Pali Canon that there are two perspectives to consider. The first is a worldly view of the end of the world, while the second is a personal perspective of reaching enlightenment, which is the cessation of suffering and the end of distress. It is said that at this time, Maitreya Buddha will appear, rediscovering the truth and enabling sentient beings to attain enlightenment.

Christianity

Matthew 24 of the Bible talks of the end times. The signs of the end times include wars, famines, and earthquakes, which will lead to the darkening and falling of the sun, moon, and stars. However, this is figurative language representing the end of a corrupt age and not the literal end of the natural world. Afterward, a new era will be created, described in the Book of Revelation as a new heaven and a new earth, where death ends, life begins, and heaven is completed.

Hinduism

For the end times, reference was made to the Mahabharata war in Hindu scripture, symbolizing the current era filled with war clouds and global domination by problems like COVID-19, leading to a time of anxiety, instability, confusion, and doubt. The approaching world will be a sacred world of peace and harmony, and to achieve that, it is said one must embrace the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture.

Islam

Sikhism

The end times are described as a time of doubt, where knowledge, guidance, and divine revelations disappear. It was mentioned that God is preparing a rescue ark, and people must navigate through the waves of conflicts to board that ark, emphasizing the balance between divine help and human actions.

The end times, referred to as the Kali Yuga, signify a dark age when demons appear and corruption, immorality, and the breakdown of law and order occur. It was mentioned that afterward, a golden age known as the Sat Yuga will come, representing an era of light and truth. In the Sat Yuga, laws will be reestablished, and people will enjoy peace and heaven.

4. Attendee Responses

Messages from Speakers

Prof. Dawud Olatokunbo Shittu Noibi Former Executive Secretary of Muslim Ummah of SouthWest of Nigeria

I say to you, the fellow participants, and to all our indefatigable brothers and sisters who have been working under the very able leadership of Chairman Lee. Peace be with you all.

This kind of getting together to learn from one another’s religious teachings is very helpful in bringing about mutual understanding and harmony amongst the peoples of the world.

Well, as I have said in my lecture, our goals should be working for a pleasurable return to our Creator, who has created us in this world and guided us as to how to live in such a way that we will not be regretful when we get back to Him.

That is why from the Islamic perspective, from the teachings of Islam, all the prophets of God will be gathered into what we call as Islam, that is, the religion of peace.

Even all the prophets that preceded Mohammad, Peace be on them all, from Adam down to Ibrahim, Jesus, Moses, and of course, the last of them, Mohammad, taught the religion of peace. That is the kind of guidance we should all be following. So that we have peaceful existence in our homes, in our environments and in the world at large.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Chairman Lee, and the indefatigable brothers and sisters working with him, for the very good work they are doing for humanity at a time when there is an unfortunate drift towards forgetting God and going after secularism. I pray that Almighty Allah accepts all your efforts and our efforts too, so that the revival of the heavenly culture as described by Chairman Lee gains acceptance across the world.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your patience listening to my lecture on this important subject.

Thank you very much. As-Salaam-Alaikum. May Peace and the mercy of God be with you all.

Lee Jeong-woo Tribe Leader of Peter Tribe, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony

First of all, I sincerely thank the HWPL team who provided the opportunity for people of different religions to come together through the Religious Peace Academy, and to the courageous religious leaders who participated in the RPA. Personally, even though we may have different nationalities, religions, and races, I believe that this world is one family created by a single Creator. So, while the world still exhibits a lack of understanding and knowledge towards each other, leading to divisions, conflicts, and exclusivity, the truth is that all people of religion share the same dream and hope. It's just that the expressions might vary slightly.

Therefore, amid all the suffering and pain, isn't our ultimate desire to create a world free from such hardships? This is why we are all one within the Creator. And precisely because we are one, it would be wonderful if we could foster good relationships and work together to create a better world, just like we are doing now.

In the same way, many people yearn to find the answer to peace, but in reality, we often don't know how to achieve that peace. Hence, there's something I would really like to introduce. Of course, in your respective religions, there are many scriptures, and within those scriptures, numerous prophecies and promises might be recorded. However, particularly in the Book of Revelation, among the 66 books of the Christian Bible, there is a clear answer promised regarding peace and truth. Now, about 80-90% of the Book of Revelation has already been fulfilled. So, if you truly examine whether this has been accomplished or not, you will undoubtedly find that answer.

Therefore, I hope you all consider this point and if there are instances of fulfillment within your scriptures and prophecies, please let me know. I will certainly look into it as well.

I believe that when we become one, global peace will undoubtedly be achieved. Since we have had this valuable meeting this time, I hope we can maintain a continuous relationship, communicate with each other, and become one. Until we meet again, I will pray for your health and safety.

Thank you.

Rajesh Chandra Chairman of Samanvaya Seva Sansthan

From the very beginning, it was a very good initiative by HWPL, and Chairman Lee to promote peace in world. Because it is going to create mutual understanding among the religions. So, it is a very good initiative. And the speakers who delivered their lectures were very well prepared, whether it was from a Christian, Sikhism, Hindu perspective, and even from a Buddhist perspective. The lecturers delivered insightful lectures with ample information from diverse religious and spiritual perspectives. So, I was very impressed with these activities.

What was especially noteworthy was that no religious leader condemned anyone or any faith. Each speaker explained their own religion, and there were no criticism or negativity. No one condemned anyone, nor any religious thought. But what was most important and emphasized was that common factors (common ground) were identified, and various viewpoints were brought together on a unified platform.

Sarma Aryasomayajula President of Siva Alayam Temple

Namaste to everyone. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to join the RPA on a larger scale. And I thank HWPL for leading this great initiative to gather all the religious leaders on one platform, and to share the knowledge about different religions, and to promote peace through religion. Thank you, HWPL once again for organizing these sessions.

It was a great idea to have prominent religious leaders speaking about the religion and explaining the importance of religion and importance of peace among religions to the different religions. Because every religion thinks they are the best. Of course, they are.

But when we communicate with other religions, we share the equality and commonality between all the religions, which helps to attain peace.

So, this was a clear intention by HWPL to bring on this task and the religious leaders also responded enthusiastically, which was reflected by their commitment to simplify complex topics for those with limited understanding. Simplifying complex topics in a short time frame is a hard job. But I think, at the end of the day, the leaders and HWPL successfully communicated the message that religions should talk to each other in one place. Then, would harmony be achievable amongst different religions.

Since being a member of HWPL and serving as a religious leader for some time now, we have engaged in similar discussions over the past two years. But it is always authentic to hear the same message in different sessions over the past few years. And now, it is being authenticated by prominent leaders communicating the same message at a bigger magnitude. I felt very happy that we are on the right track and gives us the motivation to work further in this direction to spread religion and peace across the globe.

Enkhbuyan Jargalsaikhan

Enkhbuyan lama, the convener of Sain Nomuun Buddhist Monastery of Mongolia

I have a message for all the newly enrolled students, listeners and participants. Many religious leaders, representatives of different faiths and participants from various denominations have enrolled in the Religious Peace Academy of HWPL, and are connecting, participating and listening to each other’s voices in harmony. With this, positive attitude has increased within individuals and inter-religious conflicts have declined. The positive effects are intense and tremendous.

Therefore, it is the duty of ours, religious individuals, to listen to others and to the teachings of other religions with tolerance, without getting too attached to our own views or religion, to learn more by connecting those teachings with our own faiths, and to spread this knowledge further.

Therefore, I encourage everyone of different faiths to listen to the lectures, teachings and ideas of other religions without prejudice or getting too entrenched in your own beliefs. But rather, let’s pay attention, engage with curiosity to recognize the valuable insights that can be gained from these interactions.

Student of Gautam Buddha University

Before I attend RPA, my mind was full of the questions. At the same time, I was very interested about ‘where would RPA lead to,' 'What RPA can give me,’ or ‘what are the benefits of attending RPA.’ After attending the RPA, the RPA answered some of my questions. And the RPA reminded me about respect for other religious people.

Moreover, I saw that religious leaders were trying to make peace in various ways through their respective scriptures. I understand that I have responsibility to create a peaceful world, because I am a part of peacemaking. This was what I felt after attending RPA.

Nanavamsa

5. Conclusion Future Plans

As we conclude this inaugural International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), we look forward to a future filled with continued growth, collaboration, and deeper interfaith understanding. The success of this academy has invigorated our commitment to fostering lasting relationships among religious leaders, scholars, and participants from diverse faiths.

In the coming years, we envision expanding the scope of the IRPA to include more religions and belief systems, ensuring that a wider range of perspectives is represented. Thus, contributing to a global movement of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.

To achieve this, we plan to:

1. Diversify Course Offerings Introduce specialized sessions that delve into the teachings, history, and practices of additional religions, offering participants a broader understanding of the world's faith traditions.

2. Enhance Online Accessibility Extend the reach of the RPA by optimizing online resources and live streaming options, enabling participants worldwide to engage in these enlightening sessions.

3. Cultivate Global Network Forge partnerships with leading religious organizations, academic institutions, and interfaith initiatives to enrich the content and impact of the RPA. We will develop a global network of RPA participants, lecturers, and contributors who can collaborate on projects, initiatives, and events that amplify the message of unity and respect among faiths.

We are truly excited about the path ahead and the potential for the Religious Peace Academy to become an influential catalyst for positive change. With each session, lecture, and interaction, we move closer to realizing our shared vision of a world where religious diversity is celebrated, understood, and embraced. Together, let us continue to build bridges of understanding and harmony through the power of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Special Thanks and Acknowledgements

We extend our heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to the eminent contributors and esteemed lecturers of the HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA). Your unwavering dedication, insightful teachings, and valuable contributions have played an instrumental role in the success of this initiative.

The Religious Peace Academy (RPA) embodies the spirit of unity and understanding among world religions, in line with the objectives supported by the United Nations for "Interfaith Harmony and Peace" and "Creating a Peaceful and Inclusive Society." This platform, inspired by the WARP Office's mission to eliminate religious conflicts for global peace, has been a beacon of hope for fostering a culture of harmony, education, and peace.

Your participation as lecturers has significantly enriched the experience of Academy attendees, offering them the unique opportunity to delve into the teachings and beliefs of various faiths firsthand. Through your insightful lectures, you have not only shared your own faith but also facilitated an environment where participants could become students of diverse religious traditions.

The RPA has been more than a series of lectures; it has been a transformative journey of understanding, dialogue, and mutual respect. Your dedication to promoting the ultimate goals of the RPA—fostering cultural understanding, increasing interfaith interaction, and overcoming religious discrimination—has paved the way for a brighter future where peace and unity transcend religious boundaries.

As we look forward to future collaborations and endeavors, we are confident that the seeds of understanding, respect, and unity that you have sown through the RPA will continue to flourish, creating a world where religious diversity is celebrated as a source of strength and harmony.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable contributions to the IRPA. Your efforts have been a cornerstone of the success of this initiative, and we are truly honored to have had the privilege of working with you.

International Religious Peace Academy

July 2023