The celebration was hosted by Members of the European Parliament and attended by diplomats, civil society and representatives of other religions.
BRUSSELS, BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, November 1, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — In a remarkable demonstration of interfaith harmony, the European representative of the Church of Scientology was recently invited as a special guest to the Diwali celebrations at the European Parliament. The event, organized by the Hindu Forum Europe, showcased the unity and diversity that characterizes the European community. It drew attendees from various backgrounds, including Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Scientologists, and individuals with different beliefs.
A joyful welcome
The EU Representative of the Church of Scientology, Ivan Arjona, who often cooperates with the diverse Hindu community not just on interfaith but on fighting for the protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief for all, was especially thankful to the Vice-President of the Forum, Krishna Kripa Dasa (aka Juan Carlos Ramchandani) and the Special Spiritual Advisor Swami Rameshwaranda Giri Maharaj from Fundacion Phi (Spain) for their great and joyful welcome among the spiritualities present in Europe, participating of the vibrant colours and joyous celebrations of Diwali.
The invitation extended to the Scientology representative was a significant gesture, demonstrating the commitment of Hindus in Europe to promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus globally and signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The celebration at the European Parliament was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including members of the European Parliament, diplomats, and representatives from different religious and community organizations.
For Arjona, the Scientology representative, the invitation was “a clear indication that the European Parliament and the Hindu Forum Europe are keen to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding among different faiths”, and expressed his gratitude for being able to participate in the Diwali celebrations, acknowledging the importance of such interfaith events in promoting peace and unity.
“The 2023 Diwali European celebration was a vivid display of Europe’s multicultural fabric, a reminder that despite our diverse beliefs and practices, we can come together to celebrate and respect each other’s faiths, promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society, especially in these difficult times,” said Arjona to some of the Hindu representatives.
Similarities between Scientology and Hinduism
Arjona says that religions “should focus on common goals and perspectives” while using their “different abilities to help improve our world”. He mentions for example the similarities between Scientology and Hinduism by quoting the late Prof. Dr. Bryan Willson who explained that:
“The mechanics of life as characterised by Scientology have considerable similarity to those embraced by both Buddhism and the Sankhya school of Hinduism. The accumulation of a reactive bank in the mind bears some similarity to the idea of karma. The concept of past lives has much in common with the theories of reincarnation in Eastern religions. The idea of acquiring access to levels of consciousness is found in Yoga (the Yoga school is closely related to that of Sankhya) and the yogin is believed to be able to attain supernatural power”.
Wilson explained also in the same scientific article:
“The claim is often made (by their followers if not by themselves) that the founders of religious movements are special agents of revelation through whom a supreme being expresses himself. This prophetic mode of religious leadership is characteristic of movements in the general Judaeo-Christian-Islamic tradition, but in the Hindu-Buddhist tradition, the religious leader is more typically seen as a master who benefits his followers by indicating to them the path to enlightenment which he has himself trodden. Hubbard conforms much more fully to this latter model. He is represented as a teacher who, rather than having had religious truths revealed to him, is said to have discovered by scientific research facts which indicate certain therapeutic practices and a metaphysical body of knowledge which explains man’s higher being and ultimate destiny”.
Scientology in Europe
Scientology is a widely accepted global religion, acknowledged by numerous experts in the field and supported by an increasing number of religious leaders. They actively collaborate to address the challenges faced by modern society. Additionally, an ever-growing number of countries, courts, and governments recognize the rights of Scientologists and their church, in line with the European framework of fundamental rights and international standards for Freedom of Religion or Belief.
