SEA – Interreligious Manifestation in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

A attachment). It was started by the acted as the MC. First speaker was a group of our members, singing of “Loka Samasta”, - a song in Franciscan monk of the city monastery representing UPF and WFWP, Sanskrit language meaning “May all La Verna, who was the person who participated in an action in the people be happy”. A “dome’ made of had conceived this event. He Vondel-park in Amsterdam. (SEA bamboo sticks to which had the logos emphasized the meaning of religion as stands for “Samen-Een-Amsterdam, of all participating groups were “to reconnect” and as source of meaning “Together-One-Amsterdam”). attached clearly indicated to the public inspiration to work together with each The event was organized by a where the event was taking place. At other despite differences of how we committee of the Council for Religions each table one could get the see the world. Next it was Christopher and World Views in Amsterdam. This information about the objectives and Davies who performed. On behalf of committee is connected to 90 different activities of the various organizations, UPF (WFWP) he sang some songs organizations. A core group of 15 particularly about what each group written by himself (one of them was people has been convening every six feels its significance is for Amsterdam. the “Sparkle Song”, well-known and weeks to prepare this event, which Many participants visited each other’s cherished in our own circle ) The takes place once a year. The respective tables, which has strengthened the Dervish performance after him groups take turns in providing their connections among us all. 18 of our presented a harmonious dance which, location for the respective meetings. I members, mixed “young and older”, at the same time radiated a prayer of have been present at most of the participated wholeheartedly in the Divine peace. Next a passionate lady, gatherings, as the acting treasurer of event. Miss Patricia Haveman of Mundio the organization. Before each meeting Younido offered a perspective for a starts, there is a short introduction At the end of the afternoon we all left our tables behind. All participants world of interconnectedness of all about purpose and activities of the people as world citizens; in her view particular organization, in whose place started a walk/march from the “connecting place” where we had our signs of this world emerging can be the meeting is held. In this way all found everywhere. Then there was a groups get to know each other on the tables to the podium at the statue of Vondel (famous Dutch poet of the mantra by Hare Krishna, followed by way to holding the annual event. the handing out of a painting to Golden age). Our march was headed Last Sunday afternoon (June 17th) by the World House Fusion band with “Samen een Amsterdam”.it was given there were 22 (small) tables in the their drums. The podium program by the organization “Oma’s Art” as a park, belonging to Christian, Jewish started with the reading of a letter to token of appreciation for the striving and Muslim organizations among the citizens of Amsterdam, written by and efforts towards cooperation and others. Also Asian and Far Eastern the Amsterdam mayor Mr. Eberhardt connectedness. The afternoon was movements were included, among van der Laan, with a call to take care ended by the whole group singing as which UPF and WFWP. The event well of the city and of each other. Miss one voice “Loka Samasta”. took place in the Vondel-park, which, Patricia Mensink of Alwareness (heeft for the occasion, was called,