On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Peace, UPF Düsseldorf met for a special guided tour through the Garden of Religions in Recklinghausen.
We were a group of 20 participants and were warmly welcomed by Ms. Hageman and Ms. Klusmann. First, we learned that the area used to belong to the monastery garden of the Franciscans. After the dissolution of the monastery, Pastor Alfons Hünting laid out the current park.
In the centre of the garden are six natural stone steles: five of them represent the major world religions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and one is dedicated to people who do not feel they belong to any religion.
The atmosphere of the garden impressed us very much: A small lake with water lilies, fallen apples under the trees and many loving details invited us to linger. A special experience was the visit to the hourglass, which made us think: What does time mean to me? Am I living in the now? What do I still want to achieve in my life?
In the further course we looked at the stelae of the three Abrahamic religions. Each stele contains a mirror in which one can see both oneself and the sky, an impressive symbol of self-reflection, closeness to nature and one's own faith.
Another highlight was the joint prayer for peace in sign language, accompanied by atmospheric music. This experience was very moving for many of us. Afterwards we talked about the religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam and dealt with the topic of freedom in particular. There was a lively discussion about the fact that religions have often restricted personal freedom in history. Today, however, many people wish to live their faith or worldview freely, respectfully and self-determinedly.
After the explanations of Hinduism and Buddhism, a meditative dance for peace followed. At first, the steps were unfamiliar, but over time a harmonious unity developed. Accompanied by the song "Peace is in me, peace is in you, peace for the world" we felt how peace can be experienced on a small scale.
Finally, we reached the peace bell. It is a sign that religions should not promote hatred and war, but peace and reconciliation.
Afterwards, Sergio Brina presented the work of UPF and recalled the founders Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and Rev. Sun Myung Moon. He stressed the importance of the UN International Day of Peace on 21 September as a global call for ceasefire and non-violence. He also emphasized the importance of commitment to religious freedom - a central concern of the UPF - in creating the conditions for sustainable peace. After the official prayer for peace of the United Nations was recited, we thanked Mrs. Hageman and Mrs. Klusmann with great applause. Both expressed their joy about our openness and our lively participation.
At the end, everyone was cordially invited to the monastery tavern, where lively conversations took place over coffee and cake.
The event was a successful, inspiring get-together that we will remember for a long time.