Blessings Aplenty As World's Religions Gather

December 4, 2009

Author: Barney Zwartz

Source: The Age

http://www.theage.com.au/national/blessings-aplenty-as-worlds-religions-gather-20091204-k93h.html

Counting their blessings was an important part of the opening of the Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne last night: a round dozen of them, each in its respective religion's fullest ceremonial richness and colour.

About 4000 delegates had their week-long meeting blessed by Zoroastrians, Jains, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Baha'is, Aborigines, Shintos and in song.

Jain dancer Divya Jain and Muslim sitar player Kahlil Gurdaz were particularly appreciated. A Sikh blessing involving ceremonial daggers and iron discipline was the most dramatic.