Kindness, humility and equality: how the Sikh tradition of Sewa can transcend cultural boundaries and foster unity

Sikh tradition of Sewa

At the core of Sikhism lies the philosophy of selfless service, known as Sewa.

Sewa is a principle that transcends religious boundaries and holds universal relevance. The philosophy encourages individuals to engage in acts of kindness, compassion and service without expecting anything in return.

While deeply embedded in Sikh tradition, people of all backgrounds can adopt the principles of Sewa to enhance their day-to-day lives.

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Letter to my Muslim and Jewish Sisters and Brothers in Australia

St Columbans Mission Society LogoThe Director of the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations has written a letter to Muslim and Jewish sisters and brothers in Australia standing in solidarity with all victims, Israeli and Palestinian, Jew, Muslim, and Christian.
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From esotericism to embodied ritual: Care for Country as religious experience

Care for Country as religious experienceIn an academic paper, it is shared that Aboriginal spiritual psychology begins from an appreciation of intentional and practical connection with the living systems of Country and kin. They draw on cases from Dadirri and other stories to describe Aboriginal contemplative practices as being conscious of our mutual vulnerability with the living cosmos.
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When is Ramadan and what are the rules around fasting? Here’s what you need to know …

ramadan is a month of fasting

Muslims around the globe will begin observing the holy month of Ramadan from Monday, a period of deep spiritual reflection and celebration.

The month of Ramadan will see Muslims fast and pray before breaking their fast at sundown alongside family and friends.

Here’s a look at what the ritual means, the importance of fasting, and why the date alters from one year to another. We’ll also talk about “When does Ramadan 2024 start in Australia?”

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Supporting kids in Ramadan: Practical tips for parents

Supporting kids in Ramadan: Practical tips for parents

Muslim children typically aren’t expected to fast during Ramadan until they reach puberty. But kids often want to start earlier because they see everyone else abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset — followed by their community gathering to break their fast together — and they want to participate!

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The keeper of the Vatican’s secrets is retiring. Here’s what he wants you to know

Prefect of the Archivio Apostolico Vaticano, Bishop Sergio Pagano The Vatican has been trying for years to debunk the idea that its vaunted secret archives are all that secret: It has opened up the files of controversial World War II-era Pope Pius XII to scholars and changed the official name to remove the word “Secret” from its title. But a certain aura of myth and mystery has persisted — until now.
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Pope Gregory XIII gave us the leap year – but his legacy goes so much further

Pope Gregory XIIIPope Gregory XIII (7 January 1502 – 10 April 1585), born Ugo Boncompagni, was the head of the Catholic Church from 13 May 1572 to his death in 1585. He is best known for commissioning and being the namesake for the Gregorian calendar, which remains the internationally accepted civil calendar to this date. Pope Gregory was the one who created the Leap Year, and February 29th which comes every four years.
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ABC’s House of Gods: a bold and compelling exploration of contemporary life in an Australian imam’s family

ABC’s House of Gods

House of Gods is a gripping new Australian TV drama. It reveals the inner workings of an imam’s family and community, and the corrupting effects of power, ambition and secrets on family and faith.

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Parliament House: World Interfaith Harmony Week Lecture

World Interfaith Harmony Week logoThe Canberra Interfaith Forum and Religions for Peace Australia will host the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week Lecture at Parliament House, Canberra. The Guest Speaker will be Dr. Pal Dhall, International speaker and presenter on Human Values with experience integrating ethics and human values of mankind’s religions to create harmony and peace in society and culture. This event will be available on Zoom, on Wednesday 28th February from 5pm.
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Apology Breakfast 2024: Truth Telling

Dierdre Robertson - 2024 Apology BreakfastThe Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group held the annual Apology Breakfast at Queens Gardens, Shepparton, on the morning of 13 February, 2024. This day was the 16th Anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations. The Guest Speaker was Dierdre Robertson, Co-Convenor of the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group. The theme of her talk was Truth Telling, and honouring “A commitment to do more.”

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750th anniversary of Rumi’s death – Academic research and spiritual exploration

Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlana order
Dancing dervishes from the Mevlana order in Turkey: the order’s origins date back to Rumi


No Islamic mystic in the past two centuries has touched literary figures and academics in both East and West as much as Rumi. A look at the history of research into this hugely influential spiritual teacher

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The surprisingly Australian history of Chinese dragon parades

Lion Dance


10 February 2024 will be observed as Lunar New Year, a festival throughout China and South East Asia. 2024 will be the Year of the Dragon. Chinese dragons are often part of the New Year Parade. Here, The Conversation shares the history of the Chinese dragons of Ballarat and Bendigo.

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International Women’s Day with Dr Clare Looker

University of Melbourne logo
The University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, invites you to an International Women’s Day event featuring Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Clare Looker. This is a hybrid event, held at Graham St Shepparton and online on 5 March 2023, at 5:30 PM.

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The task of repairing words, and the world, after the Holocaust


Anti-Semitic sign that reads Juden sind hier unerwunscht (Jews Are Unwanted Here)
Anti-Semitic sign that reads Juden sind hier unerwunscht (Jews Are Unwanted Here)
27 January is Holocaust Remembrance Day, world-wide. Here is a talk given at Sydney Jewish Museum on 28 January. The task for my generation — the last that will know the survivors of the Holocaust personally — is to hold “that, which happened” in our hearts, not simply as an historical event, but as an eternal caution against hate and prejudice, writes Simon Tedeschi.
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Australia Day: Gratitude Unveiled, Responsibilities Embraced

Australia Day - 2024 - Australia goes beyond just being a country, and Australia Day goes beyond a mere commemoration; for immigrants, it becomes a symbol of hope and safety, a place of refuge from difficult journeys across seas and deserts and the dangers of human trafficking. It’s not just a piece of land; it’s a sanctuary full of opportunities where immigrants, after facing challenges, find comfort and the promise of a better life. Here, one person granted citizenship writes on the importance of Australia Day and what Australia has to offer.
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