We must ask ourselves what it is that we really need. Only then can we stop our endless consumption and save the planet. Making sense of it is a column about spirituality and how it can be used to navigate everyday life.
… Read more…
We must ask ourselves what it is that we really need. Only then can we stop our endless consumption and save the planet. Making sense of it is a column about spirituality and how it can be used to navigate everyday life.
… Read more…
Suleiman Mourad, Réseau français des instituts d’études avancées (RFIEA)
What if the Crusades’ history was told from an Arab perspective? In fact, in 2016 al-Jazeera TV did just that. It released a four-episode documentary on the Crusades, and the trailer introduced the subject in the following words: In the history of conflict between East and West. The mightiest battle between Christianity and Islam; a holy war in the name of religion. For the first time, the story of the Crusades from an Arab perspective.
… Read more…
For the more than half-a-million Australians who identify as Orthodox Christians, today is a significant day.
Sunday May 5 is Orthodox Easter, a date which falls more than a month after the more-widely recognised western Easter Sunday which is celebrated as a public holiday in Australia.
In both churches, Easter is considered the most important and holy occasion in the Christian calendar.
Vesak is when Buddhists worldwide – and in Shepparton and across Australia – come together and recollect the Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing. Vesak is an international celebration and listed among UN Observances. Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest philosophies of non-violence and has practiced peaceful relations for over 2600 years. In this day and age, Buddhism continues fostering of world peace. For the ninth year, The Buddhist Association of the Goulburn Valley will be celebrating Vesak in Shepparton on Saturday 18th of May 2024 from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm at the Queen’s Gardens.
… Read more…
Many who seek religion along with peace and harmony among the religions of Earth have studied philosophy: Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and others. Here, we bring you news of the results of advanced digital imaging, which gives startling information about the last hours of Plato. Newly deciphered passages from a papyrus scroll that was buried beneath layers of volcanic ash after the AD79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius may have shed light on the final hours of Plato, a key figure in the history of western philosophy.
… Read more…
The Saint Pio Foundation is set to unveil ten photos of the beloved 20th century saint, in order “to foster devotion to Saint Pio.”
… Read more…
Spiritual Directors from Dayspring Spirituality Centre in Perth, Heart of Life in Melbourne, and Wellspring in Canberra converged at the Raising Our Tribal Voice for Justice conference, hosted by the University Of Divinity’s School Of Indigenous Studies. Held at St Paschal Chapel across four days from 5-8 February 2024, this conference served as a platform for profound intercultural dialogue and spiritual exploration.
… Read more…
Chinese authorities have begun relocating a 19th-century Buddhist monastery in Tibet that is expected to be submerged underwater after the completion of the world’s tallest 3D-printed hydropower dam, says a report.
The relocation of the Atsok Gon Dechen Choekhorling Monastery in Dragkar County began following an order from the Department of National Heritage in 2023, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported on April 12.
The heritage department had declared that the artifacts and murals inside the monastery were of “no significant value or importance,”in response to a two-year-long campaign from the monks seeking a cancellation of the relocation order.
Are you passionate about sustainability and keen to find out more about how to motivate and create change in your community? Then this workshop is for you.
… Read more…
Our Patterns of Creative Spiritual Care conference is the premiere event highlighting and supporting the work of pastoral care, spiritual care and chaplaincy in Australia.
Spiritual care highly values the importance of person-centered care. Our 2024 Conference theme: “Patterns of Creative Spiritual Care – Enriching the Journey to Hope” recognises the richness of creativity when attending to the person at the heart of our care. The use of sound and music, aromas, art and imagery, drama and role, embodiment and movement, language and story are all mediums through which we seek to engage with the other.
In late 2023 the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) approached Palliative Care Victoria (PCV) regarding several anecdotes emerging from members of local Muslim communities raising concerns about experiences and perceptions of end-of-life care.
… Read more…
Vaisakhi (also spelled Baisakhi) is a national festival and will be celebrated on April 14, 2023. Vaisakhi marks the solar new year according to the Hindu Vikram Samvat calendar. In India, this translates to evening, April 13. It is a harvest festival when all give thanks for the new crop and pray for prosperity in the coming year.
… Read more…
Throughout history, solar eclipses have had profound impact on adherents of various religions around the world. They were viewed as messages from God or spiritual forces, inducing emotions ranging from dread to wonder.
Ahead of the total solar eclipse that will follow a long path over North America on Monday, here’s a look at how several of the world’s major religions have responded to such eclipses over the centuries and in modern times.
If you’re looking for a new film to add to your yearly Easter watchlist, Angel Studios has just the one for you. Their docudrama “After Death” features the gripping accounts of real people who survived near-death experiences, and lived to tell the tale.
… Read more…
Pope Francis renewed his calls for the release of all Israeli hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza on Easter Sunday.
Pope Francis also called for “a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine” during his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) address.
After Sunday’s Easter service he took to his open-topped popemobile to tour St. Peter’s Square.
The author of a new paper by the Australian Institute of Family Studies says religious or spiritual abuse is more common than most people realise, is under-researched and often involves religious teachings being used to justify control, manipulation, coercion or other intimate partner violence, or to ridicule victims to destroy their confidence.
… Read more…
Australians love a long weekend, and our longest long weekend is this week’s. I don’t hear anybody complaining about having Friday and Monday off, but Easter itself — apart from a few chocolate egg hunts — goes little marked now in Australia. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday: these are like way markers on what used to be a main road but has been much quieter since they built that bypass.
… Read more…
Finding your way back to yourself and to God, doing good, appreciating the community: four Muslims in Germany explain what the fasting month of Ramadan means to them and why they would rather not have to keep explaining themselves over and over again!
… Read more…
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.