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Karen Berg

Karen Berg

Posted: March 7, 2011 03:28 PM

The Power of Peace and a Movement for Global Spirituality


Tolerance across our differences, mutual respect because there's a spark of the Creator in all of us and shared responsibility to make our world a better place: these are values Dr. Jehan Sadat and I discussed last week in London to an audience of more than 500. Although the conference was planned more than eight months ago, given the recent uprising in Egypt, our event could not have materialized at a more relevant time.

I invited Dr. Sadat to join me for a conference on the Power of Peace, and it was a great honor to hear her talk on a topic that is her beloved husband's legacy. The core idea, which will remain alive well beyond the conference, is that positive action taken by each one of us individually paves a pathway to positive global change. We are the peacekeepers. You and me, and "they." It is up to us, in our daily lives, to be aware of our own intolerances. When we disagree -- in politics, in business, in our relationships -- we need to give the other person the space to live and worship safely. Whether those across the table from us pray to a different god, speak a different language, or vote for a different candidate, their right to do so is indisputable.

Dr. Sadat and I are so different on the surface. But on closer inspection, our similarities are striking. We are women from the same generation, the wives of men who took a stand against the traditional establishment and created change against all odds. Destiny pushed us to step-up to the position of leadership and we find ourselves driving the same message forward: The power to change the world starts one person at a time. This choice to come together to celebrate our likenesses and honor our differences is what I refer to as Global Spirituality.

The winds of change are upon us now. The voice of the people must be heard. Oppression cannot co-exist with human dignity. The time is ripe for us to fulfil our spiritual purpose and to return to our original wholeness as one soul, encompassing all our differences and individual uniqueness. More and more people are opening up to view the world in this interconnected way. What was a grassroots peace movement 30 or 40 years ago has now become mainstream.

Dr. Sadat is compassionate to Israel. "I understand your concern. I know you are nervous about the new movement to democracy. But don't be." Her words calmed the turbulent waters as she affirmed that the peace treaty her husband pioneered with Egypt will be honored.

There is no time like the present for everyone to come together. Like the single strands of a rope interwoven together, we will be strong enough to pull ourselves out of darkness.

 

Follow Karen Berg on Twitter: www.twitter.com/simplelight72

 
 
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01:04 AM on 03/11/2011
in the end we are all one and we all come from the same source..
08:20 PM on 03/09/2011
This is the key thing, as Berg says: what was once on the margins has become mainstream. Dialogue between Jews and Muslims, between Israelis and their Arab neighbors, between Americans and the rest of the world -- this is more indispensable than ever. I'm proud to be a student of the Kabbalah Centre and proud to see the role we're taking as initiators of dialogue. Awesome stuff.
04:55 PM on 03/08/2011
The Zohar, the ancient text of Kabbalah is clear....Humanity is like one human body made up of diverse parts and organs that look different and serve completely different functions. This explains the diversity of the human race and the various belief systems. The Zohar says the true Israelite serves the function of the heart of the body. Same way the heart nourishes all the organs with vital bloodflow, the Israelite must nourish his Muslim and Christian and Buddhist and even atheist neighbors with unconditional love, energy and wisdom. This is what helps create a healthy collective body of mankind. Karen Berg's work around the world and her connection with Dr. Sadat is a profound example of a healthy and loving heart nurturing the world and all mankind. Their message is simple but breathtaking in its scope. The only thing that causes a heart attack is a blockage in the artery. In the spiritual heart, that blockage is the human ego. If we heed the message of Karen Berg and Dr. Sadat, we will lose the ego and embrace our enemies with love for then we all win.
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cayuse
Soaring Eagle, soaring to Spirit from the ego self
12:11 PM on 03/08/2011
Coming together sounds like a sex orgy. Be it Community Organizing or Church.

True, in THE SPIRIT we are one. By righteousness or right action we must each choose between good and evil. As we each evolve from out EGO SELF to the HIGHER SELF to THE SELF. We are one.

But amazing that MODERN TIME that has no global or national leaders now seems to think if we stand together holding hands singing KUMBYA we are whole and one. Usually with great organizers who are paid well while the organizee is paid 0 with much work

GROUP THERAPY is nice. Sharing SPIRIT is nice. But Global Societies, Nation States, Groups, Think Tanks, Lobbyist, Organized Communities etc. come together for ADVANTAGE. Not SELF REALIZATION. Not the freedom of choice.

What part of nature makes one think we come here or leave here together. Eternity is the individual Soul becoming the ONE SOUL Each person One by One. Grouping is not a path.

This great country was founded on INDIVIDUAL RIGHT and FREE CHOICE to create the Atmosphere of this freedom. Not to destroy that freedom as political groups have. Yes, many group are working in the wrong direction. Not freeing man, enslaving man. Many force the one

I do not see this as a solution, a problem
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ninetailedfox
banning people.....so childish
12:03 PM on 03/08/2011
Every religion, whether I disgaree with its tenents or not, has one thing in common. Candles. Buddhists, Pagans, Muslims, even Christians use candles in their practices. Maybe people should go back to worshipping the Sun and the Moon instead of people that may not have existed.
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MilesToGo
01:57 AM on 03/08/2011
Thank you for your reminders and profound words, Karen. Indeed, we all have divine immanence within that can unite us, and all the major Traditions--as seen in Tanakh, the Gospels, Qur'an, the Vedas, the Dhammapada, etc.--at their core know that transcendental truth unites us all, regardless of the surface differences.

What's happening portends watershed change, which will have a far and beneficial reach. It's good to read the words of someone who knows this.
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Tabuism
07:35 PM on 03/07/2011
the Venerable Dhammananda wrote,

"Buddhists should not be the aggressors even in protecting their religion or anything else. They must try their best to avoid any kind of violent act. Sometimes they may be forced to go to war by others who do not respect the concept of the brotherhood of humans as taught by the Buddha. They may be called upon to defend their country from external aggression, and as long as they have not renounced the worldly life, they are duty-bound to join in the struggle for peace and freedom. Under these circumstances, they cannot be blamed for becoming soldiers or being involved in defence. However, if everyone were to follow the advice of the Buddha, there would be no reason for war to take place in this world. It is the duty of every cultured person to find all possible ways and means to settle disputes in a peaceful manner, without declaring war to kill his or her fellow human beings."

As always in questions of morality, when choosing whether to fight or not to fight a Buddhist must examine his own motivations honestly. It is too easy and too common to rationalize one has pure motives when in fact one is fearful and angry. For most of us self-honesty on this level takes extraordinary effort and maturity, and history tells us that even senior priests with years of practice can lie to themselves.
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ninetailedfox
banning people.....so childish
12:05 PM on 03/08/2011
If christians threaten me on my own property, I have the right to defend myself. That reminds me, I have a belief that everyone should learn a form of martial arts, even if its just for a year or two. I enjoyed Tai Chi and Jujutsu immensly.
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ninetailedfox
banning people.....so childish
04:04 PM on 03/08/2011
@syntax, it depends on how far this theocracy in America goes.
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cayuse
Soaring Eagle, soaring to Spirit from the ego self
12:17 PM on 03/08/2011
I assume to the Group only a higher distant truth from themselves
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ninetailedfox
banning people.....so childish
01:12 PM on 03/08/2011
(Quoted from Sapient Audit)
Since we're part of the Universe, we'd be part of 'god', the end result being that we should just pray to ourselves because we're god and as such we're the only ones that can make things better for ourselves.
06:34 PM on 03/07/2011
Yes The wind of change are indeed blowing! Oppression Is going out of style! Dignity is coming into style! the most pressure Egypt can put on Israel to settle the conflict with the Palestinians is by applying themselves inwardly to build a free and just society! that would put amazing pressure on any Israeli government... 'cause.... Oppression is going out of style!
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cayuse
Soaring Eagle, soaring to Spirit from the ego self
12:19 PM on 03/08/2011
NO, greed is starving the he// out of people. They do not want a meaningless vote. The want food, opportunity, prosperity. The basic need of each person.

Where do such things hide in the woodwork
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Elijah A Alexander Jr
Elijah NatureBoy
06:19 PM on 03/07/2011
World peace begins with spirituality, someone spiritual becoming a leadership to make the difference. They can't be traditionally religious, must be objective, willing to lay their life on the line and have integrated all attributes of their being. Such person must radiate peace which attracts others to long for it. And above all they must be at peace themselves.

Such person must go into the lion's den [among corrupt world leaders] and radiate peace until they feel obliged to follow peace. They must be patient, endure much, willing to be alone and have no individual ties to provide a handle to be turned away from the goal. They must have no interest in material goods, a love for all life and radiating love to every life type, even blood suckers. Such man has to be a christ, buddha or a spiritual leader as known to indigenous people, a shaman or witchdoctor.

Should we find any such one integrating the beliefs of all sources revealing the understanding of man in society and the self reproducing environment's life, from whence man evolved and must return, he should be exalted to the leadership position as servant of the people and not his own material desires.

Such would be peace bringers of global spirituality, so let us seek them out for if there is one there are others not far behind.
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cayuse
Soaring Eagle, soaring to Spirit from the ego self
12:27 PM on 03/08/2011
Yes, BUT, We are all THE SPIRIT. Look no were but within.

Christ, Buddha, Krishna, Mohammad. Did not lead people especially the Material World. They taught each person to lead themselves from within to without to the SPIRIT in all the Universe beyon the Material World and Material world things, desires and emotions.

Where is it ever said or written to make the Material World heaven on earth. "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven", "Ask and it will be given", Be in the world, BUT NOT of the WORLD". "the last shall be first"

Where did it say: "we will get there together"
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Elijah A Alexander Jr
Elijah NatureBoy
02:21 PM on 03/08/2011
We are to look within and by integrating our spiritual and carnal natures we find peace. That is only found by the remnant who are to enter everlasting life or become Brahman and all other man will get to taste peace on earth for a short time before the termination of the world [civilization].

In the Bible what is called "the lord's prayer" say "thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven" suggesting there will be a peace and unity on earth as it is beyond. In Isaiah 2:1-4 is the suggestion of such peace that man will cease making weapons of war and began to make things for producing food. That suggests we will enter peace together, at least for a short time.
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ninetailedfox
banning people.....so childish
05:07 PM on 03/07/2011
Unity and peace wont happen, besides Monism reminds me of Monotheism, You cant ignore the FACT that other beliefs are not exactly like other beliefs, sure the surface might be the same, but every religion has its own way of doing things.
06:24 PM on 03/07/2011
It doesn't matter what a person's religion is. If the mindset of the people is to have human dignity and to respect the beliefs of others, and our goal is to have unity even with the difference (unconditional love), then it is possible to see peace and unity in our life time.
08:12 PM on 03/07/2011
Agreed. Her opening line, "there's a spark of the Creator in all of us", imposes monotheism on us all. She excludes a panoply of points of view that are not necessarily in line with her cosmogony.