Maryland Interfaith Gathering Marks International Day of Peace

The Heartfulness Institute commemorated the International Day of Peace in Maryland on September 21 with an interfaith gathering featuring representatives from several religious and spiritual traditions.

The gathering included “reflections, prayers, chants, and music” focused on “peace, compassion, mutual understanding, and harmony.”

The program featured Sikh reflections by Dr. Hema Sidhu, an Islamic perspective on peace by Imam Faizul Khan, and a Jain reflection by Shripal Shah. Sri Ramaswamy Chandramouli and Sri Gopal Gopinath reflected on the Hindu tradition, while the Rev. Amita Khema shared reflections on Buddhism, according to a statement.

Community members also presented musical and cultural performances. Shiwani Tewari offered devotional music, members of a Sikh youth group presented selections from sacred texts, and Rama Devi Ravindran performed devotional Bharatanatyam pieces said to have been favored by Mahatma Gandhi.

Nelly Vossoughi led a guided Heartfulness meditation, offering participants an opportunity to experience inner stillness and consider the importance of cultivating peace within themselves.

The program underscored the message that lasting peace within families and communities begins with individual transformation, mutual respect, and compassionate action.

Attendees praised the presentations and the spirit of unity at the event. Participants said that bringing different spiritual traditions together in harmony created an atmosphere of peace and positive energy.

The Heartfulness Institute thanked the speakers, performers, volunteers, community partners, and guests who supported the gathering.

Heartfulness is an experiential approach to meditation and inner well-being practiced by people of diverse cultures, faiths, and backgrounds worldwide. Through meditation and other practical techniques, it aims to help individuals cultivate inner peace, emotional balance, compassion, and harmony.

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