Frankfurt, Germany—What kind of spiritual environment best promotes human development?
This was the question addressed by three speakers, in very different ways, at the UPF-Frankfurt celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week.
The event held at the UPF offices in Frankfurt on February 4, 2023, was titled “How Can Religions Create an Environment to Foster Spiritual Development?”
Dr. Abdulcabbar Boran, founder of the Mihr Foundation in Germany, which is based on Islamic mysticism, emphasized that we can experience love and happiness through the three Holy Books—the Torah, the Bible and the Quran. To do this, we must pass through four submissions—the physical body, spirit, soul, and free will—and seven stages of maturity to perfection. This begins, stands and falls with the desire to reach God.
Claus Dubisz, representing the Frankfurt branch of the Universal Peace Federation, named three areas that can assist our spiritual growth: the wonder of God’s creation in nature; conscious spiritual nourishment through love, truth, good vitality elements, and an uplifting environment created by music, art, meditation and prayer; and places or buildings where we can feel the Creator in all His greatness and love.
Michaela Gross, president of the Church of Scientology, Frankfurt, stressed that although relationships with those around us influence our mood, it is we who decide how we perceive our environment.
In the concluding discussion, numerous questions from the participants brought out further elements that can influence our spiritual well-being.