“Peace
not pieces” were the words spoken by His Holiness Spiritual Master Nirankari
Baba Hardev Singh ji at a huge congregation held in Tracy, California on
Friday, September 11th 2009 to promote peace and harmony.
More than 800 people from diverse backgrounds attended this unique event. Prior to his discourse there were hymns recited which spread the fragrance of love. Speeches and poetry also added flavor to the evening. People of all faiths and cultures were present. His Holiness talked about the only religion in the world – the Religion of Humanity. He said that before being a member of a particular faith, culture or society we all are human beings and all distinctions should come later. To live peaceful life one has to be full of love, compassion, tolerant, broadminded, and rational and this has been the teaching of saints and sages. One devotee reiterated an incident where someone had asked Nirankari Babaji, “I want peace”. His holiness replied, “Remove ‘I’ and ‘want’ and what remains with you is peace.” In other words, it’s our ego and unending thirst for materialistic possessions is a barrier for attaining peace. His holiness mentioned that today limited choice that we have is between non-violence and non-existence. We must choose he path of non-violence. As said by Mahatma Gandhi ji one needs to realize that there is no way to peace but peace itself is the way. Finally he quoted Martin Luther King Jr - “Stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
It was a powerful message and
applauded by one and all in the audience.
Some
special guests attended the congregation that included Mayor of Tracy Brent H.
Ives, Interfaith community members and Ahmadiyya community members. They were
welcomed by President Dr. Rai, Rev. Devraj Vijh (Parmukh) and Priest Rev.
Narinder Pal Singh ji (Pali Noor). After the discourse, Nirankari Babaji met one and all personally
and blessed them. Volunteers of the mission served community dinner (Langar) to
all attendees. One could feel a feeling of love, respect and togetherness in
the atmosphere.
Nirankari
Babaji is on a world salvation tour to spread the message of love and universal
brotherhood. He came to San Francisco Bay area on Sept 10th evening
and was welcomed by few members of the mission as well as consulate general of
India official at the airport. A welcome program was arranged later in the
evening at the Tracy Bhavan where hundreds of devotees participated. After
Tracy, California he is scheduled to visit Los Angeles, Phoenix, Ann Arbor, New
York.
The Sant Nirankari Mission is essentially a spiritual movement. Its principal commitment to its followers is to make their minds conscious of the Eternal Reality and unite their Soul with the Creator, the Formless God. The Mission believes that ignorance and superstition are the biggest obstacles in man’s path to real progress and happiness. The narrow-mindedness, hatred and pride brooded by them are the most vicious source of trouble for the mankind. The Mission endeavors to remove the same by making spiritual enlightenment within the reach of every man and woman--young or old, rich or poor, high or low, educated or illiterate, whatever the language, faith or culture, whatever the state or the nation.
For more information about the mission please visit http://www.nirankari.org