Facets
of
Faith
Facets Of Faith
Facets of Faith is one of the core programs of GPF India. This program in essence combines all the value-based approaches of the Global Peace Foundation and carries the main message of founder, Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, i.e., One Family Under God. Through this program, one gets to know the oneness of the Human Family, our shared ideals of hope, love, compassion, and concern for everyone. It doesn't stop there. This program enables one to imbibe leadership qualities based on ethics and appeals to one's mind and heart.
The current structure of FOF is thus holistic in its approach to comprehending and bringing into action the ideals enunciated by scholars and sages of the world.
Tools Of Knowing (Cognitive Dimension)
Tools of Knowing are designed in such a way that the team gets equipped with navigation tools. We call it GPF Positioning System (GPS). The road to peacebuilding based on Interfaith Harmony and Leadership is filled with potholes of inadequate data, flawed research methods, false claims, and laxity. Peacebuilding is not about a few webinars by people adhering to one faith, life coach sessions, or for that matter just visiting places of worship/ Heritage sites without knowing the history and significance of that place. One must be aware and clear in their research questions. A methodology has to be adopted to better equip people with facts and data. The audience must be given a platform to raise their questions and doubts. Thus, the Facets of Faith Program includes rigorous exercises to know different World Religions, the Nature and Scope of Religious Studies, and Peace Building and Conflict Resolution. These are academic disciplines and thus need the scholars from universities and research centers to comment on. Hence, during the program, we invite scholars from different universities to provide scholarly data to the participants. There are also visits to Faith-Based NGOs and Centers to get a clearer picture of motivation and execution by spiritual leaders. Facets of Faith Program also works on different modes of communication. Along with conferences and webinars, there are film screenings and documentary screenings. There are debates and discussions at the Head Office and Virtually to make sure that maximum doubts are clarified. The last two components also ensure that there is a harmonious team relationship, and participants are at ease with each other. We strongly believe in cultivating inner peace, without which it is impossible to build outer peace in the world. This motivation connects our First Set of Tools with the Second. Thus to summarize, under the Cognitive Dimension of Facet of Faith Program, we have the following major events :
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Global Peace Leadership Conferences:
These are annual conferences based on themes like Multiculturism, Social Entrepreneurship, Global Ethical Framework, and Responsibilities.
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Global Peace Education for Children and Youth:
These are monthly classes and open discussions on principles like Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ( Hindu Faith ), Tawhid(Islam), Ek Onkar(Sikh Faith), Tikkun Olam(Judaism), Anekantavada ( Jain Faith), Mahakaruna ( Buddhism), etc. GPF takes core spiritual and philosophical teachings of different traditions which are not dogmatic, rather are practical and help in enhancing social conscience.
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Research and Publication:
Under the FOF program we publish booklets, audiovisuals, articles, and papers. Our aim is to enrich the academic education of the upcoming young generation in schools and colleges through shaping a mindset that values integrity, equity, and fair play.
Tools Of Being ( Affective Or Experiential Dimension )
Tools of Being are about experiential learning. Without giving means of realizing how people live, it is difficult to generate a sense of urgency to work. Intellectual gratification is limited without the involvement of other senses of the body. It is one thing to discuss the three principal teachings of Guru Nanak1, while visiting a gurudwara and being a part of Seva is different. Similarly, it is wonderful to talk of Karuna2 , but if one visits a Buddhist Monastery and sees the monastics doing group meditations for every sentient being or engaging in Peace Walks . Hence it is important to visit places of worships and organize Interfaith Pilgrimages. Also, participants are better equipped with knowledge to compare doctrines with actual practice, differences in ritual observances across geographical regions, and common threads of sameness in different observances. Facets of Faith Program has done this at small scales, like organizing visits to different temples, mosques, synagogues, gurudwaras, churches, meditation centers and Jain Viharas. Not only that, there was an attempt to cover different states in India, like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra, as part of Interfaith Pilgrimage Tour. Currently FOF is getting refined and more nuanced by guided Heritage tours. The major themes under Experiential tools are thus as following:
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Interfaith Intangible Trail:
Under this program we explore Dill waalo ki Dilli focusingon its Heritage sites, cultural symbols and pilgrimage places. This sub program delves into ntangible aspects of the oneness of Indian culture through direct, first-hand experience of tangible realities, artifacts, symbols, monuments, food, textiles, and pilgrimage places. It takes the route of backward planning called as GAPCA ( Goal, Assessment, Planning Checking for Progress and Adaptation ) so that our mind is always on track. It thus ensures to inculcate the habit of discussion and debate with facts in hand. Through this tour , one gets a first-hand experience working with the experts to know more about the secular and pluralistic nature of Delhi. As city dwellers of Delhi we all have brought up in a mixed culture and community. It is very important to understand the cultural fabric and community-based environment of the city. This project aims to take the interns to some of the famous religious, cultural, and spiritual sites in Delhi to explore the interlinked world that exists in the city.
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Interfaith Pilgrimage Tour PAN India:
Till date GPF India has taken FOF to states like Himachal, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Punjab. These visits were designed to enable participants understand the principles of Freedom and Responsibility , Engagement, Acceptance and Respect for varied cultures and traditions across India.
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Facets of Faith embodies the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It emphasizes the equality of all religious traditions and cultures. It strives to promote respect and understanding among people of different faiths, envisioning them as part of one global family. All get united in worship of a common God or Cause. This project aims to address the root causes of conflict, communal violence, and youth isolation by fostering a change in hearts and minds.
FOF integrates various fields of knowledge and expertise, allowing youth to explore faith. It empowers youth to educate their families on peace-building. Sessions create an understanding of harmony and compassionate living. Additionally, it brings together diverse stakeholders with shared objectives. It combines philosophy, religion, culture, science, and technology to create actionable change.
It is about an integrative approach. Teamwork is crucial to eliminating misinformation and stigmas around rituals, harmony, religion & politics, and coexistence. Thus, Facets of Faith is crucial to improve the status of the social fabric of our society so that we all can be in tune with the vision of ‘Live for Greater Good’
