About the Colloquy

Enhancing dialogue between different cultures and religions is the aim of a colloquy being held in the Council of Europe from 7 to 9 October 2002 under the name "Dialogue serving intercultural and inter-religious communication". This meeting brings together representatives of major world religions and international specialists in peace studies, conflict resolution, human rights and leading NGOs working to re-establish intercultural dialogue. One of the aims of the colloquy is to lay the foundations for redefining the governmental role of Culture Ministers, with regard to conflict prevention.

Among the participants are leading figures from the international academic, cultural and religious worlds, including Johan Galtung, the founder of the International Peace Research Institute in Oslo, Hassan Hanafi Hassanien, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cairo, Awraham Soetendorp, the Rabbi of the Liberal Jewish Community in The Hague (Netherlands), Swami Maheshwarananda, the Yoga humanitarian worker and the Cyprus university researcher Maria Hadjipavlou who founded the first international Cypriot women's NGO, "Hands Across the Divide".

At the COE

At the meetings (© Council of Europe)

Practising yoga at the COE

Swamiji's contribution

Tolerance and Understanding is building Bridges between Religions, Cultures and Nations

It is the right of every human being to be free to act and make personal choices and decisions. No one should be controlled or forced to behave in a certain manner by physical or psychological abuse. "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma". Never cause any harm to anyone. Non-violence is the highest principle. Ahimsa means non-violence, love and respect for the freedom of all creatures. No one should harm anybody by thoughts, words or actions. This also includes accepting the needs, different opinions, cultural traditions and religions of others and respecting them.

In order to accept others, one must be able to accept themselves. As my great Master Mahaprabhuji said, "If you want others to be good to you, first you should be good to others. Only then will you understand the Divine within yourself and within all living creatures."

The main commitment of humankind on this earth is to protect life in all forms and manifestations of existence. To realize this, it is necessary to adopt a different way of thinking and acting in every day life. It is important to introduce love, help, tolerance and understanding not only between individuals but among all nations, cultures, races and religions.

God loves all equally. He does not distinguish between continents or borders, races, castes, nations, political parties or religions.

Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda

Swamiji's CV for the Council of Europe

Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda was born in Rajasthan (India), and has lived in Austria, since 1972. He has dedicated his whole life to helping humanity through yoga and, by evoking the ancient spiritual heritage of Sat Sanatana Dharma. His scientific master-system of Yoga In Daily Life promotes the following principles: physical, mental, social and spiritual health, respect for life of all living beings, tolerance of all religions, cultures and nationalities, protection of human rights and the environment.

Furthermore Swamiji is engaged in numerous humanitarian activities and initiated worldwide prayers and meditations for World Peace.

He is the founder of International Sri Deep Madhavananda Ashram Fellowship.