Yekaterinburg, Russia - In a hall of a musical school in Yekaterinburg, the 16th Festival of Spiritual Creativity on the theme of “Realm of Light” took place March 26-27l. The event was aimed at developing respect, mutual understanding, and harmonious relations between representatives of different religions, spiritual teachings, cultures, and social strata.
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Traditionally, the festival includes two days: the first day includes a round-table discussion, when the participants, representatives of different religions, spiritual groups, and grassroots organizations share ideas and discuss the main theme of the festival. The second day is usually dedicated to artistic creativity of participants; in conveying the essence of teachings, songs, dances, poetry, and theatrical sketches are very often more convincing than smart speeches.
Each year, the festival opened with a new theme; this time it was “Way and destination of a human” under the slogan “Truth is right here with you, just show it the way!” During the round-table discussion, the participants shared their life experience and thoughts about how people can find a way to realize their potential through spiritual practices, develop positive thinking, live for the sake of others, create atmosphere of love in their family, and mobilize action that promotes social benefit and defends human rights.
At the opening, the leader of the UPF-Ural chapter, Natalya Erofeeva, welcomed the guests and expressed her gratitude to them and the organizational committee for their impact on the promotion of spiritual culture and moral values. The Realm of Light initiated by Society of Spiritual Culture regularly takes place in Yekaterinburg thanks to the enthusiasm of the local community, although with no support from administration of the city and the region. Natalya Erofeeva reported about events related to the first first World Interfaith Harmony Week were held in many cities and nations on the first week of February. Obviously, the community begins to see the necessity of moral improvement of humanity and importance of respectful and harmonious relations between religions for the sake of world peace.
The Festival “Realm of Light” was attended by Orthodox Christians, Protestants, representatives of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, Sri Chinmoy Center, Unification Church, etc. Beyond their religious beliefs, the Festival participants met like-minded friends, shared ideas, communicated together, and looked for ways to spread happiness. Getting to know each other better we start developing mutual respect and begin to positively accept traditions of others and support their good initiatives. It opens the way to peace.
For speeches [in Russian] by Festival participants, click here.