03 - 10.12.2013
Flaxley, Gloucestershire
SMIT "CREATOR" members were participating in a TC titled Eastern Religions And Young People co-ordinated by ASHA Centre and held in Flaxley, Gloucestershire.
The role of Eastern Religions in interfaith dialogue is the main theme of this training. The majority of interfaith courses in Europe often focus on the so called ‘Abrahamic’ faiths - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - this is often to the detriment of religions originating in other parts of the world, which, in terms of population, antiquity, historical influence and cultural richness are just as important. These religions include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Bahaism, Taoism and Confucianism. The presence of people in European societies of South Asian, South-East Asian and Far East Asian origin means that people engaging in intercultural dialogue need to have knowledge of the religious aspect of Asian society. It is impossible to understand any culture without studying its religious traditions and practices. A culture’s religion encapsulates its people’s values and ideas, sets forward their role models and is integrally related to a sense of identity for many.
This project therefore will aim to promote dialogue between young people coming from different faith backgrounds across Europe, particularly in relationship to those belonging to religions originating in South Asia and the Far East. As a consequence, participants will receive deeper knowledge over Eastern Religions also present in Europe, thus increasing their intercultural competencies. Furthermore, the knowledge received will allow participants to reach out to these communities, increasing mutual tolerance and social cohesion.
Write a comment
Kuba Moczek (Monday, 20 January 2014 17:39)
I had the pleasure to participate in the project: Eastern Religions And Young People. The project took place in a beautiful location in the vicinity of Gloucester. The theme of the former Eastern religions. Lecturer Mark tried to give us as much information on the philosophy of Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism, and many other religions of that region. The project involved people from England, Spain, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria, Germany, Lithuania, Greece and Polish, which quickly created a family. We spent a lot of time together. A very good time together and I'm sure now that I have made many new friends. Every day we learned something new. It was an amazing experience to visit a Hindu temple in Birmingham. I had the opportunity to learn the art of meditation or yoga
Ewelina Gorzelak (Monday, 20 January 2014 17:39)
Eastern Religions and Young People was a 7 days training in Gloucestershire, UK. The Training Course gathered 28 enthusiastic young people from: Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Spain, UK. The role of Eastern Religions in interfaith dialogue was the main theme of this training. . During this training the participants got an understanding of different culture. It is impossible to understand any culture without studying its religious traditions and practices. A culture’s religion encapsulates its people’s values and ideas, sets forward their role models and is integrally related to a sense of identity for many. We had a lot of various activities in Asha Center ( work in group, lectures, movies, presentations, educational games, meditation). The activities were prepared by Mark Gifford who is very professional and inspiring teacher. We had opportunity to know something new about Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Bahaism, Taoism and Confucianism. The most memorable experience which I have ever had was when we visited the Temple in Birmingham. The Hindu Temple of Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) in Tividale is the culmination of deeply felt spiritual aspirations and one of the most remarkable achievements of the Hindu communities in the United Kingdom. Asha Center (host organization) is located in the beautiful Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, between the River Severn and River Wye. It is a special place to bring people together, a place of beauty and peace and the best place to promote dialogue between young people. I was awe-struck by the majesty of the scenery. I understood why Tolkien had been enchanted by the Forest and inspired to write “Lord of the Rings”. Being there for a week was very inspiring and fruitful experience, and I am grateful that I had opportunity to meet a lot of amazing people.
Cornerstone Church (Monday, 18 April 2016 14:46)
Loved your blog page!!!The stuff that you have remarked up here is superbly wonderful and I vigorously thank you for the same...
Cornerstone, (Wednesday, 20 April 2016 08:42)
Your blogs are easily accessible and quite enlightening so keep doing the amazing work guys.
eastern europe (Saturday, 22 April 2017 14:01)
These religions include Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Bahaism, Taoism and Confucianism.