The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my)
From the Vihara to the Vatican, 13 June 2010
by DR AMIR FARID ISAHAK
The writer’s interfaith activities sees him celebrating Wesak Day in Kulala Lumpur and following that up with a visit to the Vatican.
IN this column, I write about the healing of the body, mind, soul, and spirit. From the feedback I have received, readers do look forward to the articles about things beyond their physical health.
In fact, there are many who found the esoteric stories fascinating, and want more. However, I can reveal only a small portion of my spiritual experiences, as those who reject the truthfulness of my sharing may complain to the authorities. Perhaps one day, when we have a more open society, then I can tell you more. Today I will share with you about healing the bonds between us – more stories of my journeys with monks and priests.
Wesak at the Vihara
On the May 29, 2010, I was at the Buddhist Maha Vihara Kuala Lumpur, together with the religious leaders of Malaysia, to join in the National Wesak Day celebrations. My spiritual brother, the most reverend K. Dhammaratana Thera (Chief High Priest of Malaysia), was the host. It was a special occasion as it was also graced by our most honourable Prime Minister, Dato Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, and his wife.
In his speech, the Chief High Priest stressed that Buddhists have been peace-loving citizens who have lived their peaceful way of life without causing problems to others. They have always contributed positively to the community, and cooperated with the government of the day.
I can vouch for their extensive community work. For example, the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society, which he founded, has provided food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education to the children, the elderly and the destitute of all races and religions for many years.
On several occasions I was called to assist when Muslims with problems approached them for assistance. The fact that some Muslims go to them first for help reflects their sincerity and selfless service.
In response, the Prime Minister gave an inspiring speech in which he reaffirmed his commitment to unite Malaysians of all races and religions under his 1Malaysia concept. He explained the need for us to be united despite our diversity, bringing together our rich cultures and traditions, and synergise our strengths. He also touched on his new economic model, where there will be a fairer distribution of the nation’s wealth. He received loud applause from all present.
Visit to the Vatican
On the following day, the Chief High Priest and I, together with the Malaysian religious leaders and several others from Singapore and Australia, embarked on a multi-faith peace dialogue visit to The Vatican. Our theme was “One Humanity, Many Faiths”.
Our group was led by the most venerable Master Chin Kung, spiritual head of the Buddhist Amitabha global organisation, and founder of the Pure Land College (Australia). The trip was organised and sponsored by the Cheng-Ho Multi-Cultural Education Trust, headed by Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew. Our dialogues were made possible with the valuable assistance of the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Tan Sri Murphy Nicholas Pakiam. He even arranged for our religious leaders to meet the Pope.
Catholic-Muslim encounters
As far back as 1926, the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI) was established by the Society of Missionaries of Africa. It was to facilitate the study and understanding of Arab language, culture, and religion to its members who were active in the Arab-Muslim African countries. It has since expanded its scope to include the study of Islam and Muslims in general, as Islam is not just an “Arabic” religion anymore.
Now their work serves the entire Catholic community who are interested in meaningful engagements with Muslims all over the world. This is important as Islam is now the second largest religion (after Christianity). In fact, Muslims now outnumber Catholics. So we are bound to meet and live as neighbours quite frequently.
A deeper understanding and respect for each other’s faiths, cultures, traditions, and sensitivities can help ensure a harmonious co-existence in this borderless and challenging world.
Indeed the two civilizations (Christian and Muslim) have had a tumultuous relationship of clashes and crusades, and everything possible must be done to avoid a repetition of this dark chapter in our history.
PISAI has an extensive library that is also utilised by Muslim scholars. It even has Muslim lecturers and professors to ensure that students also get to know Islam from the Muslim perspective.
The rector, Father Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, hosted us and chaired our dialogue. I posed several questions, and had many more to ask, but our time was limited as it was more of a familiarisation visit. In case you are wondering, no, I did not ask about the “Allah” issue, as I believe that issue is unique to Malaysia.
About 10 years ago, I had the privilege of meeting the previous PISAI Rector, Father Justo Lacunza Balda, when he gave a talk at St Francis Xavier Church in Petaling Jaya. He was an expert on Islam, was a hafiz (total memorisation) in several dialects of the Qur’an, and had an extensive experience of living with the Muslims in Egypt. He was so knowledgeable, yet so humble. He said so many nice things about Islam and the Muslims, such that one of the church members asked him why he did not convert. I told him that he confirms this verse of the Qur’an (5:82): “…nearest among them (men) in love to the believers (Muslims) you will find those who say, ‘We are Christians’: because amongst them are men devoted to learning, who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant”. We then hugged each other.
Commitment to interfaith dialogue
In 1964, The Vatican established the Secretariat for Non-Christian Religions to reach out in friendship and dialogue with all religions. In 1988, it became the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PCID). Since Catholicism is a global religion, it is only appropriate that The Vatican engages in respectful dialogues with all the other faiths.
Succeeding Popes have continued building the relationship with the other religions, and the bonds are now stronger than ever. The Popes have often hosted multi-faith prayers and gatherings, and PCID has hosted many faith groups and multi-faith events.
The PCID established the Nostra Aetate Foundation to promote dialogue by awarding grants to people of other religions who wish to study Christianity. Other religious bodies should emulate this good example.
It was in this spirit that PCID, under its president, Cardinal Jean-Louis Pierre Tauran, welcomed our entourage and shared with us its aims, activities, and aspirations. We also had the opportunity to engage in some dialogue.
The PCID has a special commission for relations with Muslims. I was happy to re-establish contact with Rev Dr Markus Solo, who is in charge of relations with Muslims in our region. I met him at the Christian-Muslim dialogue retreat in Cadenabbia, Italy, in October last year (see A Message from Cadenabbia, Fit4Life, 25/10/2009).
The superstar Pope
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI grants a “general audience” every Wednesday morning (in summer) to the thousands of pilgrims, visitors, and tourists who throng from all over the world to greet him or just witness the grand ceremony. As June 2 was also the Italian National Day, we had a double spectacle, as the Italian Air Force jets did a colourful fly-pass overhead during the event.
There were probably about 20,000 people gathered in front of St Peter’s Cathedral, which is the largest church in the world. It was a hot day, but to the enthusiastic crowd, it was worth the wait. The crowd broke in a thunderous applause when the Pope appeared in his “Pope-mobile” and cruised around the perimeter of the crowd, and also into passages in their midst. Then he proceeded to his seat on the dais under a special canopy to begin the formal welcome.
Throughout the ceremony, it was obvious that he is much-loved by the people. We were very impressed that he welcomed all the pilgrims and visitors by addressing us in six languages! Such is the depth of scholarship of the Catholic leadership throughout history, which should be emulated by us all.
The study of other languages has been an important factor for the success of Catholicism in spreading its message to the world. After nearly two millennia, it still remains as the richest, most stable, and most organised religious organisation.
It also has the most number of institutions across so many countries throughout the world. I have had the opportunity of staying at Catholic retreats in the US, South Korea, Belgium, and Italy during my interfaith programmes. Next week, I will be staying at another Catholic retreat in Jordan when I attend the URI (United Religions Initiative) global council meeting.
So why do I spend so much time traveling and engaging in interfaith dialogues and activities? A quote from His Holiness Pope John Paul II at the conclusion of the Day of Prayer for Peace (Assisi, October 27, 1986) will help you understand:
“Perhaps more than ever before in history, the intrinsic link between an authentic religious attitude and the great good of peace has become evident to all. What a tremendous weight for human shoulders to carry! But at the same time, what a marvelous, exhilarating call to follow.”
・Dr Amir Farid Isahak is a medical specialist who practises holistic, aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine. He is a qigong master and founder of SuperQigong. For further information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The views expressed are those of the writer and readers are advised to always consult expert advice before undertaking any changes to their lifestyles. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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