| |
WALK THROUGH THE DOORS AND
TRAVEL THE GLOBE
INFORMATION
AND MESSAGE # (269) 543-3951
|
|
In each religion you will find women and men thirsty for
a dream from above. At the Lakeshore Interfaith Institute
people come yearning for a vision, fellowship, compassion
and understanding. We study, dialogue, listen, and practice,
we open our hearts and learn from each other. We pray for
peace, justice and unconditional love. We explore other's
paths and discover the spirit water deep in us all. We quench
ourselves and call it by various names. We explore sacred
ways of the world's great wisdom's traditions. We seek to
understand through interfaith study and dialogue. We meditate
to take responsibility, in a world of diversity to educate
our minds and honor the Spirit in all. In so doing- We pray
in our own ways for Peace, Justice, Sustainability, Compassion
and Global Understanding.
|
| |
SYMBOLS
OF FAITHS- MANY PATHS TO TRUTH |
| |
SHINTOISM
|
| |
is
the traditional religion of Japan. Shinto is closely involved
with the landscape of Japan and shrines have a large gate
called a torii, consisting of two upright bars and two crossbars.
The torii can be seen standing alone in lakes, mountains or
trees and other places associated with the mysterious powers
of nature.
|
| |
|
| |
SIKHISM
|
| |
In
the center of this symbol is the two-edged sword used to prepare
a sweet food during Sikh services. The circle symbolizes one
God, the two swords on the outside show Sikh readiness to
defend truth and justice. Sikhs believe in one God who is
timeless and without form. The world and the universe are
a reflection of God, who created them both.
|
| |
|
| |
CHRISTIANITY |
| |
Jesus
died on the cross, a shameful and painful death, but Christians
believe that through it God showed his power over shame, pain
and death. Christians believe in one God, who created the
universe and created human beings to have a special relationship
with him.
|
| |
|
| |
ZORASTRIANISM
|
| |
Fire,
light and all the good luminaries remind us of the divine
light, purity and love of Ahura Mazda. Light is the visible
symbol of God who is invisible. That is why Zorastrians hold
all forms of fire as sacred. Furthermore, fire also stands
for the inner fire and warmth found in the human heart.
|
| |
|
| |
TAOISM
|
| |
This
symbol represents the interaction and balance of yin and yang.
Yin is a cool dark force that is seen in rain, clouds, winter
and snow: Yang is a hot bright force that is seen in thunder,
the Earth, summer, and the Sun. Taoism takes its name from
the Chinese word Tao, which means the "way" or "path".
|
| |
|
| |
HINDUISM
|
| |
This
symbol is the written form of the sacred sound "Aum",
(sometimes spelled "Om"). According to the Hindu
scriptures, Aum was the first sound, out of which the rest
of the universe was created. Hinduism encompasses a wide variety
of beliefs originating in India. Most Hindus believe that
God takes many forms and is worshipped by different names.
|
| |
|
| |
ISLAM
|
| |
Muslims
say that Islam guides a person's life just as the moon and
stars guide a traveler in the desert. Islam believes "There
is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Prophet of God".
Islam means "peace" or "submission" and
a Muslim is "one who submits to God". Muslims believe
in one God called Allah in Arabic, who is known by such titles
as the Creator , the Merciful and the Compassionate.
|
| |
|
| |
NATIVE
AMERICAN
|
| |
are
represented by the next symbol. Native Americans speak more
than 200 languages and even within these language groups spiritual
traditions vary greatly. No native language however has a
word for religion. For most Native peoples, religion is not
separate from government, art, economy or the landscape. It
is part of an entire way of life. They respect the Great Spirit
in all of life.
|
| |
|
| |
JAINISM
|
| |
The
hand represents non-violence and reassurance and is a reminder
of the responsibility of every individual to act with wisdom
and peace. The word ahimsa appears on the palm of the hand.
The word Jain refers to a follower of the Jinas - "those
who overcome." The Jinas continue to be regarded as teachers
whose example helps others to escape the cycles of birth and
death and to achieve freedom from reincarnation.
|
| |
|
| |
BUDDHIST
|
| |
The
Buddha spoke of an Eightfold Path to enlightenment. This is
traditionally represented as an eight - spoked wheel. The
path is a guide to living life compassionately and non - violently.
Buddhists believe that we are tied to the cycles of death
and birth through desire and can be born again in many different
forms. But they believe there is a way to escape this cycle,
to be finally released from reincarnation.
|
| |
|
| |
JUDAISM
|
| |
The
Menorah, a seven - branched candlestick, stood in the Temple
in Jerusalem in ancient times, and its design is described
in the Torah. Jews believe in one God who is the Creator and
Lord of the universe. They believe that God has a special
relationship - the Covenant - with the Jewish people. This
relationship has been and will continue to guide Jewish people:
"Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall
be my people: and walk in all the ways that I command you,
that it may be well with you."
|
| |
|
