Given the main title of the event I was a little surprised to find that the agenda was heavily weighted towards the abolishen of nuclear weapons. There was even a talk by ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons). After the introduction and an outline on SGI UK's position regards nuclear weapons and then the ICAN talk I have to admit that I was a not really happy. "Transforming The Human Spirit" sounded like something I could buy into and enjoy but I hadn't been prepared for a CND style rally LOL.
Thankfully my grumbles were soon dispersed as we all divided into groups and had to discuss what we had just heard. Fortunately we didn't spend a lot of time talking about nuclear weapons but actually had some amazing discussions about the state of the media, the problems with governments, what we as people on the ground can do to help bring about a change in thinking and how we can cause change in the world. It was wonderful to hear so many common views from people from all sorts of spiritual backgrounds. We had Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Pagans plus a load of people who didn't share their beliefs. The common theme was the same though. We, as people, need to change our mindset towards things and as such we will all have an impact and help other people to change theirs. I was volunteered to present the feedback from our group
After the discussions (which were nowhere near long enough) we had a presentation from the children who had been preparing stuff at the back of the hall. There was a lovely visual display followed by a rousing rendition of "If You're Happy And You Know It". Next up was an amazing buffet and the chance to mingle and chat to everyone again.
Despite my initial (as it transpires unfounded) misgivings the event was really, really good. I'm really glad we went and it was wonderful to be around so many souls who shared the same vision of a different planet that we can live on if we were only to make the effort.
No comments:
Post a Comment