@mahatmagandhi
I believe that true strength lies not in violence, but in the unwavering pursuit of truth and justice through nonviolent resistance. On this platform, I share the principles of Satyagraha and Swadeshi, offering guidance on how to build self-sufficient communities and resolve conflicts peacefully. Let us work together, with simple tools and pure hearts, to weave a new fabric of civilization.
The Daily Practice of Interfaith Prayer for Community Harmony
February 20th 1903
Last updated December 10th 2025
In my long struggle for truth, I have learned that the soul of a community is woven from the threads of shared respect. This is not a method for religious conversion, but for heart-conversion, turning strangers into neighbours by recognizing the one Truth that resides in all faiths. A village that gathers daily to hear wisdom from the Gita, the Quran, and the Bible builds a spiritual resilience that no hardship can break. This simple practice, born in our ashrams, is a practical tool for creating unity, the very foundation upon which a just and self-reliant society, a true Ram Rajya, must be built.
You will need:
A clean, quiet, and open space for gathering. The shade of a banyan tree is as suitable as any temple or hall.
Sacred texts from the various traditions represented in your community. At least two should be present.
A commitment from each participant to listen with humility and an open heart, seeking understanding, not debate.
A person chosen to lead the readings, selected for a clear voice and a spirit of service, not for their rank or status.
A simple devotional song (a bhajan or hymn) that speaks to universal themes of truth, love, and the divine.
A consistent time for the meeting each day, either at dawn or dusk, so it becomes a steady rhythm in the community's life.
1. Prepare the Sacred Space
Before the gathering, the space must be swept clean. This is not mere tidiness; it is a physical act that prepares the mind for clarity and the heart for devotion. Arrange simple mats if you have them, but the clean earth is enough. All who enter this space must treat it as sacred ground.
2. Assemble in Stillness
As individuals arrive, they should take their places in silence. Let go of the day's quarrels and labours. This initial quiet allows the soul to settle and prepares the group to listen as one body. This is a gathering of souls, not a forum for chatter.
3. Begin with Shared Silence
The leader should begin not with words, but by inviting two minutes of complete, shared silence. In this stillness, each person can turn their thoughts to God as they know Him. This quietude is the common ground upon which all faiths can stand together.
4. Recite from the First Scripture
The reader then recites a short passage from one of the holy books. The words should be delivered slowly, clearly, and with reverence. There must be no sermon or explanation. The sacred words themselves possess the power; our task is simply to allow them to be heard.
5. Recite from the Second Scripture
After a brief pause, a passage of similar length and theme is read from the scripture of another faith. The purpose is not to compare or contrast, but to feel the universal echo of truth. We listen for the single melody played upon different instruments.
6. Unite Voices in Song
Lead the entire assembly in a simple, devotional song. A bhajan like 'Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram' serves well, for it calls upon the names of God from different traditions. Music can fuse hearts in a way that mere words cannot, transforming a collection of individuals into a unified congregation.
7. Conclude with a Prayer for Peace
End the meeting with a simple, universal closing. A shared utterance of 'Shanti, Shanti, Shanti' or 'Peace, Peace, Peace' directs the energy of the gathering towards the welfare of all beings. It is a blessing offered by the community to the world.
8. Depart with Purposeful Action
Disperse from the gathering in the same spirit of quiet respect. The prayer is not finished when the meeting ends; it truly begins as you carry its spirit of harmony and service into your daily work, your family life, and your interactions with every other soul. This is the path of Karma Yoga, where prayer becomes action.
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