The Commonwealth Day 2008 was observed Monday 10th March at the Westminster Abbey with the underlying theme on “The Environment our future”.Dr John Hall the Dean of Westminster welcomed everyone to the abbey, a historic place where God has been worshipped daily for a thousand years, and he spoke of creating a new equilibrium as humanity’s responsibility to protect the environment.
The Queen reminded us in her message that the environment choices available in some countries may not be an option for others as it is harder to expect someone to adapt if some rely on the trees of a local forest for fuel, shelter and livelihood. She urged the Commonwealth, the governments, businesses, communities and individuals to match words with deeds.
There were six personal testimonies on the environment by people from across the world supported by all the major faiths’ representatives. After each testimony the Dean led the affirmation followed by music and dance from various commonwealth countries which included the African children singing, the Maori performing a ritual dance, Madeleine Pierard, soprano and music of the rainforest from Guyana.
From the Hindu Faith Anil Bhanot said,
“Lord Krishna says in the Bhagvad Gita, “I am the transcendental Atma seated in the heart of all Beings. All things created by Me, sentient and insentient, rest on Me as if pearls on the thread of a garland.” If God has graced us with a higher level of consciousness then we owe a measure of responsibility towards all things created, whether sentient beings or not, for each pearl is interdependent, lest one shatters, the garland is no more.”
Dr Natubhai Shah from the Jain Samaj said, “Take a cue from the bee that strengthens itself by sucking honey from the blossoms of a tree without hurting the blossom.”
Indarjit Singh reminded us of Guru Nanak’s words, “Our God given environment is a gift beyond value. We should cherish the bountiful giver.”
The Buddhist Dhammapada was similarly quoted by Bogoda Seelawimala and with various scriptural references were said by the Jewish and the Christian representatives. Islam speaks of “Ehsan” which makes the whole environment beautiful. The Zarathushtra’s seven primary creations were reminded and the Baha’i guidance for a change in the inner heart to reconcile with the new orientation of our activities.
The Dean, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall finished with an ancient Sanskrit prayer:
“Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth;
Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust;
Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace;
Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe;
Peace, peace, peace.”
Anil Bhanot
General Secretary
Hindu Council UK
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