Budapest, Hungary - UPF-Hungary organized a variety of interfaith programs during 2011, including a visit to a Korean Zen Buddhist temple and discussion with Zen Buddhist monks, a trip to an annual Hindu festival, and the inauguration of an Interreligious Chapel at the Peace Embassy.
The trip to the Original Light Buddhist sanctuary was to attend their annual European-level meeting. There were a variety of programs, including meditation and religious services, exams and installation of various ranks of teachers, a ceremony commemorating the birthday of Buddha, and a wonderful vegetarian Korean lunch. The UPF delegation felt very welcomed by the community.
There is an annual Hindu fair, or kermesse, near the village of Somogyvamos. Although the weather was not very pleasant, a bus full of interested families, Ambassadors for Peace, and friends traveled to Hungary's so-called Krishna Valley, run by devotees of the Hindu god Krishna who aim to live in accordance to the principles of ancient vedic scriptures. There were various programs, including a marriage ceremony, an exhibition and advice about sustainable living, a tour of the sanctuary, and introduction to their lifestyle.
The inauguration of an interreligious chapel in Seoul was the inspiration to dedicate an interreligious chapel at the UPF Peace Embassy in Budapest with the participation of Mr. Gyorgy Kulin, a Presbyterian minister, and Mr. Sliman Ahmed, a representative of the Sahara Fund from Mauritania.