Like the Buddha, we all get our call to wake up. It often comes when life isn’t working and we may have to go a little crazy. Here’s how Buddhist teacher Spring Washam answered her call.
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Like the Buddha, we all get our call to wake up. It often comes when life isn’t working and we may have to go a little crazy. Here’s how Buddhist teacher Spring Washam answered her call.
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Hanukkah is the festival on which Jews celebrate their victory in the fight for religious freedom more than two thousand years ago. Tragically that fight is no less important today – and not only for Jews, but for people of all faiths, writes Lord Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth.
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Many people – worldwide – who have the good of other people in their hearts affirm that Christmas is a time of peace, a time of giving and a time of taking care of the homeless and the poor. Buddhists also recognise that Christmas is a time when they may practice their dharma for the benefit of others. Lord Buddha – if he had any desires – desired that his bhikkus – and all sentient life – reach enlightenment. Joy, giving, family, and peace … people of all faiths can celebrate these values of the holiday season. Here, several Buddhists offer their take on yuletide dharma.
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There are many images of Christmas, and it seems that Christmas means something different to everyone. Life is change, and so mundane perception of Christmas changes, also. Christmas is a a holy time for the devotees of Jesus Christ. At the time of the Christian observance of Christmas, Shepparton Interfaith Network brings attention to the festivals in other religions occurring at this time. There are also Jewish, Parsee and Sikh and African observances at this time. We also bring you an Australian Christmas Blessing.
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Christmas is a time when memories surface and some people may feel regret, pain or suffering the loss of company, loved ones, and perhaps, are alone. Christmas brings different responses from people, be they spiritual, agnostic, culturally diverse or even, alone. Seasonal and cultural events can evoke different, perhaps regretful responses in people, for we never know their journey until we have walked in their shoes. Here we tender for your consideration some perspectives on feeling blue at Christmas, and the grief evoked by Christmas when loved ones have passed over or are simply not there.
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Christmas For Those Alone provides a free lunch on Christmas Day to anybody in the Shepparton District who finds themselves alone or unable to have a Christmas meal with family/friends.
Goulburn Valley Sri Lankan Musical Night was held in the evening of Sunday 11th of December 2016 at the African House which was organised by the Ethnic Council of Shepparton & District. Approximately 80 people gathered at St Paul’s African house to experience the richness of Sri Lankan Culture.
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Vatican official Monsignor Antoine Camilleri, undersecretary for Relations With States, gave one talk at the opening of at the Conference on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians, held Dec. 14 in Vienna. Mgr Camilleri concludes that the Church serves all, despite religious affiliation, and that religious freedom is an essential element of a thriving society and culture.
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Carols by Candlelight for 2016 will be take place on the evening of Sunday 18 December 2016 at 6:30pm in Queens Gardens, Shepparton. This is a free, family-friendly event. Goulburn Murray Credit Union are sponsoring the fireworks display at the conclusion of carols.
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Shepparton Interfaith Network in collaboration with Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District have conducted several observances of United Nations International Day of Tolerance. The same observance was conducted with an interfaith meeting on 17 November 2016 at Senior Citizens Centre, Welsford St, Shepparton. Noted religious commentator Paul Collins is well known to the Australian public via his work as a broadcaster, for a time as presenter of the Religion Report on Radio National as well as being a general commentator on religious affairs for radio and television and print media. Here, Paul Collins shares some reflections on Tolerance.
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Shepparton Interfaith Network will join in the Coffee and Chocolate for Religious Harmony event at Lemon Tree Cafe in Fryer St, Shepparton on Thursday 15 December beginning at 10:30.
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UN World Day of Tolerance is celebrated worldwide each year on 16 November. The Shepparton Interfaith Network, in collaboration with Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District conducted an observance of Tolerance Day at the Senior Citizens Centre, Welsford St, Shepparton.
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In discussions centred upon United Nations Day of Tolerance, local Shepparton identity – and writer – Pat Crudden recalled a poem he wrote in 1997, which he felt, had particular, human relevance to tolerance. Pat Crudden’s Poem, Wood Chimes, is offered below.
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In observance of United Nations World Day of People with Disabilities, the Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability I recently endorsed a Statement on Spirituality for Disabled Persons.
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