The Parliament of the World's Religions - 1993

The first Parliament of the World's Religions was held in Chicago in 1893. It marked the first concerted effort to bring all the different religions to a common platform where leaders and representatives of all faiths were able to communicate and share their views.

It was there that Catholicism and Judaism were recognised as major American religions, and that Hinduism and Buddhism were first introduced to the West. And, it was on this occasion that Swami Vivekananda won wide recognition for India's ancient culture, philosophy and faith through his powerful words.

The centenary of the first Parliament of the World's Religions was held, also in Chicago, from August 28 to September 4, 1993. Over 6500 delegates, representing approximately 125 of the world's religions participated in the grand Parliament; among them were approximately 600 world spiritual leaders.

A momentous achievement of this second Parliament was the formation of a core group of the world's most influential religious leaders, an assembly of 25 presidents representing all major faiths. Amma was chosen as one of three presidents to represent the Hindu faith.

It was envisioned that this assembly would try to demonstrate to the world that religion can and should be a source of harmony rather than strife. The assembly would strive not only to propagate interfaith dialogue, but also to lead humanity towards a new era of harmony and peace.

Excerpts from Amma's Address on the occasion of the second Parliament of the World's Religions:

"Contentment and happiness depend solely on the mind, not on external objects or circumstances. Happiness really depends on self-control. Both heaven and hell are created by the mind. Even the highest heaven turns into hell if the mind is agitated; whereas, even the lowest hell will become a blissful abode for a man endowed with a peaceful and relaxed mind.

Religion is the science which teaches us how to live a happy and blissful life while still living in this diverse world."

"True religion is a language forgotten by modern man. We have forgotten the love, compassion and mutual understanding taught by religion. The basic cause underlying all the problems that exist in the present day world, is the lack of love and compassion. All the chaos and confusion that prevail in an individual's life, at the national level and in the world as a whole, exist only because we have failed to practice true religious principles in our day to day lives. Religion should become part and parcel of life. Religion needs to be revived, it needs new life and vitality. Then only will love and compassion dawn within us. Love and compassion, alone, will wipe out the darkness, bringing light and purity to the world."

"To show compassion towards suffering humanity is our obligation to God. Our spiritual quest should begin with selfless service to the world. People will be disappointed if they sit in meditation, expecting a third eye to open after closing the other two. This is not going to happen. We cannot close our eyes to the world in the name of spirituality and expect to evolve. To behold unity while viewing the world through open eyes is Spiritual Realisation."

Read the complete speech

As Amma spoke, a deep peace permeated the atmosphere. For one hour the listeners sat enthralled, and when the speech came to an end, there was an outpouring of emotion which saw journalists in tears and complete strangers leaving their seats to come up to Mother. Hearts overflowed as people spontaneously rushed towards Amma to have Her darshan. Amma greeted as many people as She could, tenderly embracing them one after the other. It was an unforgettable occasion.

John Ratz, a Public Relations Counsellor who attended the Parliament, reflects on the impact of Amma's speech. "Every other speaker treated the subject of religion and spirituality as if they were two disparate entities. However, Amma's powerful words struck deep into the center of religion and spirituality, effacing the contradictions, bridging the gap and effecting a harmonious blend of both, thus unfolding their very essence. It was one of the most significant and powerful speeches."