World Interfaith Harmony Week in Prague, the Czech Republic

O n the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week Czech UPF together with another NGO Mozaiky Platform Dialog convened a meeting with representatives of 5 world religions in Prague on February 16 . The theme of the meeting was Harmony and Peace. The meeting had two parts. In the first Tomas Kraus from the Federation of part the representatives of Judaism, the Jewish communities in Prague Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and mentioned that not many people even Islam shortly explained what harmony know that there is Interfaith Harmony and peace mean in their own religion Week declared by the UN. and in the second part the participants could join a time of sharing and enjoying a delicious Turkish and vegetarian food. Dr. Vladimír Sáňka from the Islamic centre in Prague mentioned the words of one wise man who said there will be no peace if there is not a peace among religions. Love to God and our neighbour is in all religions. He appreciated that in our country there is Trilokamatma Das representing the a good interreligious dialogue. Hare Krishna movement started with an meditation ad expressed how the In the beginning Mrs. Nina Nováková, interreligious activities are important. member of the Czech Parliament He said we all are the children of one mentioned the importance of the heart. interfaith dialogue and harmony. If we Mr. David Hron representing do not know each other then we have Christianity said that we should no fear. She mentioned that it is only speak about God but we should important to stand on the side of speak with God. We need to seek for goodness. the hidden truth.

own organization there are still people is the same and in the course of history who are prejudiced against other the founders of religions could catch faiths. She emphasized that it is some part of it. The religions should important to know the people face to not fight against each other. He face in order to avoid negative feelings. mentioned also the words of Rev. Mr. Hüseyin Özörencik, head of the Moon who said that God is not Mozaiky centre greeted the sectarian and wants to embrace all the participants and expressed satisfaction people of the world. that so many people came. Mr. David Valouch representing Prof. Kropáček, orientalist spoke about Buddhism spoke about the various the violence and hatred which were are forms of Buddhism and the way how witnesses in the recent time. He they understand harmony. There are mentioned the story of the Japanese about 5.000 Buddhists ib Czech mother the son of which was killed and republic. she said „ I will not hate.“

After the presentations of the speakers there was a ceremony of pouring water into one common bowl symbolizing unity of all religions. In the end over 40 participants enjoyed and appreciated the time of sharing. Some of them expressed that Dr. Juraj Lajda, representing UPF in the meeting was very useful, inspiring Dr. Katerina Dekanovská representing his introductory speech quoted the and uplifting the spirit. Many people the Society for Interreligious Dialogue words of Great Mufti Ahmend Kuftaro expressed the idea that the interfaith mentioned the fact that even in her who said that the essence of the truth activities are meaningful.