Daylesford Multi-faith Conference “Healing Love in Action”
In conjunction with: Heart Flow Worldwide; SLAM; UNESCO Clubs; and APNIEVE

29th April, 2007


Daylesford Conference

Unity Within Diversity - Exploring the messages of love within each religion and applying to the crucial problems of the society. Representatives of different religions came together to spread the message of love in the Multi-faith Healing Conference, "Healing Love in Action" at the Sanctuary of the Heart, Daylesford, Victoria.

The early morning rain was a beautiful start to a healing conference. The bus trip from Melbourne began at Glen Waverley Station, and then stopped at St Kilda Arts Centre picking up over 45 seniors and young people from different traditions. Spirits were high, and smiles and laughter prevailed even at 7am! Ron, our driver was wonderful and so patient with us (our 5 minute stop turning into a 20 minute stop!). Arriving in Daylesford, feeling fresh clean air, our bus was guided to the Heart Flow Sanctuary just in time for the opening ceremony!

A welcoming party presented us with programs and we eagerly entered the main hall to find a beautiful, white, open, circular space with a few pictures, flowers and rows of chairs. The opening prayers included practices from various traditions and faiths followed by Parvyn Kaur Singh's song 'The Prayer'.

The panel discussion moderated by Margaret Coffey an ABC presenter of program "Encounter"looked at healing and what it means for each religion. In the panel we had Uncle Reg Blow, Aboriginal elder Jessiee Kaur Singh, president COMMON and Sikh representative , Dr. Farvardin Daliri (Bahai), director migrant resource of Townville, Joy De Leo, president of APNIEVE from South Australia, Ron Laurie, president of SLAM, Yasser Soloman from Islamic Society and Bishop Neville Anderson.

During Uncle Reg Blow’s presentation of the healing ceremony I felt uplift but also extremely overwhelmed with sadness. It was a roller coaster of emotions as he touched upon the problems the ‘Aboriginal’ Healing Centre deals with everyday. Reg’s encouraging words provided hope that Aboriginal people are coming to know their tradition once more and people of all cultures are beginning to respect the traditional indigenous ways.

With a room full of people who only want to feel and give love this conference flowed smoothly from one session to another. Mary Faeth’s calming guidance throughout enhanced the relaxed atmosphere. Balanced by Jessiee Kaur Singh’s energy, which kept spirits high with heart warming words, which always made me feel connected others and what was happening internally and externally. Joy De Leo spoke of education and spirituality and I was given another leap of inspiration.

As I drove Shankutala home she told me, “My heart feels full” and I, too, felt the conference had with me filled the cup that could see light and love in the world once more. I feel privileged to have enjoyed the company of saints (as Jessiee said that day) and would like to thank all those involved, from organizers to attendees with whom I enjoyed a day of bliss and peace. Dya Singh and his musical group including daughter Parvyn Kaur mesmerized the attendants with an evening of sacred music.

It feels like this is the beginning of joining people to support one another, creating connections that will bring people to feel they can be at one and always feel loved. Where isolation is a thing of the past and links and bridges replace. In our uncertain, changing society we need to create these events more and more so those who are fragile can feel it’s ok to laugh, cry and show emotions. The conference was born out of love and enveloped the message of unconditional love to those we mix with and interact with. It’s a clear sign that times are changing, truth, justice, honesty and freedom can become our reality.

By Helen Greenway

We would also like to add that the very first issue of G’day India has their cover story reviewing our event in “Message of Love” by Gurpreet Kaur Sethi. G’day India offers an Australian Indian perspective that aimed towards enhancing cultural harmony through the good work and contribution of all amongst the community. Reading their first issue, I can’t help but congratulate and be inspired by their good work and the rich diversity that makes this very accessible and appealing. More information can be found on: www.gdayindia.com.au