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June, 21th
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Unity in Diversity
By Susanna Gendall
The morning begins with a reassessment
of the vision in terms of creating a plural, just and responsible
world in relation to eco-social spirituality.
The group recognizes the need to overcome
cliches and to not underestimate the value of experience
and the stories that have brought people to their recognition
of the need for a shift in paradigms, "stories never
become cliches". There is a fundamental recognition
of many visions, which make up the whole, and of the importance
of respecting these, irrespective of religion or spiritual
status. We realize that we need to recognize and appreciate
that people commit themselves in different ways to contributing
to the vision, and this is the plurality we are seeking.
The strategies were then discussed. It
was recognized that in terms of achieving this vision, there
needs to be some sort of methodology that finds the balance
between concepts related to the earth and to spirituality
and the concrete actions in our daily lives. The strategies
that were mentioned were to maintain a sense of consciousness
and mindfulness of oneself and the environment in which
we live, to find an individual medium of simple living and
appreciation of the earth, and to embrace in our lives the
concept of unity through diversity. There was also an emphasis
on maintaining communication with the group and in sharing
our personal experiences.
Our purpose and vision
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The afternoon was concluded with perspectives
from the other continents and their experiences of the Asian
meeting. Their perceptions were varied but united in their
appreciation of a different structure to the workshop and
the contribution of the environment in working through the
dynamics of such an issue as eco-spirituality. Great importance
was again placed upon the need for unification of physical
involvement and conceptual ideals.
The meeting ends with a song: "we
shall overcome". There seems to be a joint awareness
of the dynamics we have worked through and a stronger constituency
to our purpose and vision .
- From Fireflies Ashram, near Bangalore,
India, Asia, June 24, 2001
- Asian Continental Meeting
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