The Oasiswithin Article Center
Letter from the editor
Dear Friends of Oasis, Oasis is in a period of evolution and changes are taking place in the unfolding of its vision. I had been talking to my dear friend, Swami Shivarupananda recently, from the Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre in Bourne End, who does also on the Oasis Interfaith Committee, about the analogy of a kaleidoscope with its many coloured pieces thrown in the air, never knowing how the pieces are going to fall. This explained my feelings of flux earlier this year, not knowing exactly in which direction the ‘picture’ of Oasis was unfolding. Surrendering to the divine plan, means not interfering and allowing the plan to unfold naturally.When I was first ordained as an Interfaith Minister I was initiated into holding worship services etc. As a result the Healing Network of Oasis evolved also into a Multifaith Fellowship. ‘Never instead of, always as well as’ is the motto of the New Seminary where I was trained.The Interfaith services of worship were a pioneering idea that served a useful purpose in the cause of unifying the different faiths. Instead of worshipping God as a separate entity it is now more about worshipping and focussing on the God or Oasis within- beyond the form.
In the last couple of years I have been deeply into the Jnani teachings of non-dualism, which is called Advaita in Hinduism. At the highest level, all religions are in empathy with these teachings. It is referred to as Gnosticism in Christianity, Sufism in Islam, Zen in Buddhism, Kabbalah in Judaism, and teachers like Guru Nanak were also mystics at heart.
My interest in worship per se lessened and even though devotion has its place, understanding of the mystical aspects seemed to be ‘also’ what was of interest to members joining Oasis. At the Spring Oasis committee meeting, which consists of members of different religions, this was discussed. Oasis was now appealing to more serious seekers of Truth. What was called Interfaith Services is now referred to as Interfaith Meetings focussing on the mystical aspect of the different traditions. It is more about dialogue and as Swami Shivarupananda put it ‘ Integrated Faith’. The Healing Network aspect has also evolved, not so much into focussing on ‘healing sickness’ but more into recognising our inherent wholeness and perfection.
The Interfaith Meetings that were held in the last couple of months were much more about interaction and discussion than ‘just’ the rituals of worship. At the Bahai meeting in March those who attended read texts from the different religions and gave their comments on what was read. When the Christian Science Fellowship held their meeting on Easter Sunday, texts were read from the Bible on the theme of the Resurrection and even though joyful Easter hymns were sung, it was more about dialogue and the deeper meaning of the Resurrection together with Mary Baker Eddy's example and teachings of our inherent wholeness and perfection.( see article 'Life of Healing through Prayer')
When Judy a friend and representative of Christian Science who was organising the Easter meeting discussed the changes, she asked me what part I was going to play at the meeting. I replied that I was not going to play any particular part. She and I were both surprised at my answer as I had played the role of an Interfaith Minister, complete with ministry stole etc. for some years writing and co-facilitating the services with the different faiths that were being represented.
I see my role now as being used as an instrument to provide a sacred space, a forum, where people of all faiths and of no particular faiths can meet. The active role in the form of an Interfaith Minister with all its ritual does not appear valid any longer. It is less about religion and more about spirituality. Each minister representing its particular tradition at these monthly interfaith meetings will need to research the mystical aspects of their tradition. I feel intuitively that this is what is unfolding within Oasis. it will be interesting to see what picture the Kaleidoscope continues to unfold as Oasis continues its journey with serious seekers of Truth.
All Love in the Eternal Self, MARIA JORY
“ God is an intelligible sphere known to the mind, not to the senses, whose centre is everywhere and circumference nowhere. The centre is now where you are sitting and where I am sitting. Each of us is a manifestation of that mystery. “ JOSEPH CAMPBELL
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