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This program area is in its infancy. The first two initiatives are a series of retreats in interfaith mysticism, and a global interfaith prayer vigil that was organized around the time of the recent invasion of Iraq. What is interfaith mysticism? Although the major religions of the world today exhibit great differences, these outer disparities are dwarfed by the vast and universal truths that dwell in common at the mystical core of every religion. By returning to the mystical depths at the heart of each tradition, the divisions between religions are recast in the light of a deeper underlying unity. Each religion can then be viewed as true and complete in its own foundations, while also taking its place among the living family of spiritual traditions that are interwoven into one tapestry of mystical illumination. At their core, religions are one, and this oneness defines a universal or interfaith mysticism. Interfaith mysticism sheds new light on religious division and strife. Rather than struggling to resolve religious conflicts, this approach tends to dissolve those conflicts, through a return to the luminous mystical core that unites all religions at their roots. This perspective neither denies the vast spectrum of substantive differences between religions, nor does it naively merge them all together in some jumbled and confused muddle. On the contrary: in recognizing the deeper mystical unity of all religions, the differences between various traditions thereby become exalted as a source of richness and mutual inspiration, rather than contentious division. Each religion is seen to be a unique and profound manifestation of that ineffable vastness and glory to which it can but only point. Yet in their collective pointing, the family of religious traditions exalts even more exquisitely the resplendent spirit that dwells beyond all thought, all scriptures, and indeed all religions. Spiritual diplomacy and the interfaith mysticism that underlies it provide not only a unitive vision of the world's highest wisdom, but also have practical implications. When practitioners from different religions draw from the deep mystical roots within their own respective traditions, they can then embark upon substantive collaborative work across traditions—thereby cultivating true inter--faith consciousness in the highest alignment and service. This is the calling for interfaith mystical work, something far beyond mere dialogue among disparate theologies, but a creative confluence of diverse streams of mystical consciousness that together can give birth to altogether new forms of divine expression and service in the world. Deep commitment to this kind of mystical synergy across traditions is the essence of interfaith collaboration and service, so urgently needed in our time. "Where two or more traditions are gathered," there the unfathomable divine shall be also, in ever more intensified form and presence. Retreats on interfaith mysticism An intensive retreat in interfaith mysticism will be led by Will Keepin and Cynthia Brix, October 15-23, 2007 at the Sadhana Institute in Lonavla, India. Sadhana Institute is a pastoral retreat center for Catholic priests and nuns founded by Jesuit priest Anthony de Mello. Earlier retreats were conducted by Will at the Sadhana Institute near Mumbai, (2003), in Kodaikanal (2003), and in Pune (2004, 2005). Shorter weekend retreats have been presented at the Rowe Conference Center in Massachusetts (2004 and 2006). An upcoming retreat on interfaith mysticism in India is open to the public: Mysticism: Birthright of the Heart Led by Will Keepin November, 2006 Holistic Health Center Medical Mission Sisters Pune, India Program Outline What is mysticism, and how is it relevant in these turbulent times at the dawn of the 21st century? How can we awaken the inner mystic within ourselves? How does mysticism relate to serving others and the world? This experiential retreat explores mysticism from an inter-faith perspective, drawing on Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sufi mystical traditions. We explore the relevance of mystical consciousness and activism at this critical time in history. Mysticism is a path of the heart that leads to union with ultimate reality—following the mysterious alchemy of divine love. Recognizing that mystical insight and consciousness cannot be "taught" but must be experienced, the retreat integrates contemplative practices and spiritual exercises, including experiential breathwork and meditative practices from several traditions. Retreat emphasis is in five areas:
Christian: Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Thomas Keating Hindu: Sri Aurobindo, Ramakrishna, Ramana Maharshi, Ramprasad, Mirabai Buddhist: Milarepa, Tenzin Palmo, Adyashanti Sufi: Rumi, Ibn Arabi, Rabi'a, Irina Tweedie Utilizing the work of scholars such as Evelyn Underhill, the retreat will explore the discernible stages the of the mystical journey, including: awakening, purification, illumination, the mystic death or 'Dark Night of the Soul', union, and serving the Divine. To register, or for more information, contact Sister Celine Payyappilly at holistic@pn2.vsnl.net.in. Inner Net of the Heart: Uniting mystics in prayer for peace In the critical months before and during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, Satyana Institute collaborated with the Manitou Institute in Crestone, Colorado to launch an initiative called the Inner Net of the Heart (see www.innernetoftheheart.org). The purpose of this initiative was to link spiritual groups and communities of mystics around the world in focused prayers and other ritual practices for peace. Two global interfaith prayer vigils were organized, one lasting 40 days and nights in the fall of 2002, and the second one lasting 105 days in the early months of 2003. The website received over 2,000 hits during these vigils. Some fifteen spiritual leaders and their constituencies from diverse traditions and countries participated in the prayer vigils, which were global in scope. Participating spiritual leaders who endorsed and engaged in the Inner Net of the Heart prayer vigils included the following:
Although the invasion of Iraq took place, we should never underestimate the power of the collective will of humanity. In Gandhi's words, "the victory is in the doing, not the results." The combined power of millions of hearts yearning for peace in every corner of the globe is potentially enormous. Projects such as this one are sowing the spiritual seeds that will one day bear fruit, as the entire human species learns to function as a diverse yet unified family. This is our birthright, and ultimately it is our only feasible destiny. As Venerable Tenzin Palmo told us, "It is essential at this time of great world conflict that the many spiritual traditions come together to pray for peace in the world to benefit all beings." 
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