Sapan News Desk
BOSTON, 9 Nov – Amidst the din of war weapons and the chants of protestors, dozens of organisations and individuals have endorsed the call for a ‘global virtual vigil to harness the power of collective prayer.’
The non-performative event by Southasia Peace Action Network (Sapan) this Sunday, November 12, aims “to envision/pray for an end to the violence at home and elsewhere, for a ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine, and for hostages and child prisoners to be freed.”
The idea is for participants to ‘meditate or pray for peace or just be’ for 10 to 15 minutes, wherever they may be, anytime between 10 a.m. and 12 noon, in their particular timezone.
Pledges of support have come from cities like Tel Aviv, Sydney, and Melbourne, besides Dubai, and cities in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UK, and the USA.
“Anyone can join regardless of their faith — or lack thereof — and focus on positive energy, love, and compassion,” says a web-post by Sapan, as the network is known. Its cross-diasporic, cross-regional, and intergenerational affiliates and volunteers call themselves ‘peacemongers’.
“Many may be at church during that time. Or at a protest for peace, or at a family lunch,” notes Sapan, acknowledging that the Hindu festival of Diwali also falls on Sunday.
“Diwali is the mythical end of exile and the beginning of the era of peace,” comments journalist Mandira Nayar in New Delhi, who is participating with her family. “It is the perfect day to wish and hope and contemplate peace during the day.”
To participate, all anyone has to do is to set a timer for 10-15 minutes whenever they are, between 10 am-12 noon in their time zone, say the organisers.
“You may be on your own or with family and friends, or in a religious congregation of any faith.
“Take 10-15 minutes to breathe, pray, or meditate in whichever way you choose, and envisage an end to violence at home and abroad. You can pray, tap, chant, or just be. Be for peace. #Be4Peace.”
The idea of prayers to end violence at home and anywhere in the world is a “highly commendable initiative,” Farhatullah Babar, a prominent politician and former senator in Pakistan, told Sapan News. “Silent prayers and positive thoughts radiate positive energy and have a profound impact,” he added, saying that he “wholeheartedly” supports this call.
The virtual vigil, being organised in collaboration with the Confederation of Voluntary Associations (COVA), India, has garnered support from several faith-based, as well as secular, cultural, and rights organisations around the world.
While most participants are joining virtually and individually, in Hyderabad, India, COVA has organised an interfaith event for Diwali that will incorporate the Global Virtual Vigil.
“We will have the event in Hyderabad in an Elders Home, and are calling it ‘Diwali and Prayers for Peace with Dada Dadi’ (grandparents),” says COVA director Mazher Hussain.
Faith-based organisations supporting the call include the Gandhi Global Family; Hindus for Human Rights; Indian Pluralism Foundation; the Islamic Education Society of Lexington; Islamic Relief and Research Trust, Kashmir, India; Loktantrik Rashtra Nirman Abhyan; Mohsinini Resource Center; the Sikh community of Boston; United Sikhs; Society for Communal Harmony India; the Satya Dharam Samvad, compassionate Acharyas of the Hindu religion; and Muslims for Progressive Values
Reiki practitioners and TaiChi groups, like architect and TaiChi teacher Aliya Rab from Quetta, based in New Jersey, will also join. She will additionally observe Armistice or Remembrance Day on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 am and will facilitate 11 minutes of healing.
“Anyone from anywhere can ‘tune in’ by simply sitting comfortably in a quiet place, eyes closed. Feel the healing and peace radiating from within and spreading all over the world… 11-11-11 am – 11 minutes,” she told Sapan News.
Cultural organisations like the Joy of Urdu, Majha House Amritsar, Seniors for Seniors, India, besides World Humanist Forum, Asia, and social organisations like ReSolv Education and Training programs and Rotary International, District 3271, Sindh and Baluchistan are also joining.
Many who have pledged participation are doing so privately, say the organisers. To see an updated list of public endorsements go to the Southasia Peace Action Network website linke Event, Nov 12: Global Virtual Vigil. Those wishing to publicly support the call may do so at this link.
Lead image: be4peace by Urmi Chanda and Srinivas for Southasia Peace
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Sapan News Network 