In this video, meditators from different parts of the world share their view of what democracy is today, why it is at risk, what the challenges of today’s democracy are and what can we actively do as meditators. The challenges of the modern democratic system will be the main theme of the 2022 John Main Seminar, led by former President of the European Council, and Belgian politician Herman Van Rompuy.
Below are some reflections on the theme of the John Main Seminar 2022 by meditators from different parts of the world, starting with Herman van Rompuy’s, who will also be the main speaker at the Seminar.
"What unites or connects people in a time of great individualization? You don’t have a society just because you live on the same territory or speak the same language or because you have the same enemy or because you consider your own culture or religion superior to that of migrants.
How do we bring back more fraternity, more solidarity, and more love among us? More shared values and values of sharing? Only then can a democracy work."
Herman Van Rompuy
US
“Democracy is facing its most serious crisis in decades. The values that democracy embodies have been under assault in recent times and are fast disappearing globally. I am glad that these issues will be tackled and discussed in the upcoming John Main Seminar.”
Angelene Chan
Singapore
“Democracy provides a form of accountability for governments...The difficulty is that democracy needs to be protected, also from itself. Many of the darkest chapters in history have involved dictators who have come to power through the democratic process. Democracy can also be an instrument of systemic corruption. Thus, democracy is a constant challenge in terms of effective implementation. This seminar focuses on both the promise of democracy and also the challenges democracy presents.”
Sean Hagan
US
“I think a seminar on democracy is invaluable right now because it goes to the heart of the Gospel. In the Gospel’s concern for others is its directive to love our neighbor. It should provoke us to ask: What are the conditions for human flourishing, both physically and spiritually,? and how do we create these conditions for ourselves and for others?”
May Ngo
Australia
“What is our response to our world at this time of crisis? Jesus says: love one another as I have loved you. I would suggest that our collective contemplative response can be to understand the mean-ing of democracy at a deeper level. I believe we as meditators have an important role to play in our world today. To be attentive to the other, and to find a common ground in resolving our differences as a human race.”
Kit Lee
Singapore
"This seminar is valuable for the world in these times of crisis because it allows us to see our hurting broken world more clearly. This is similar to the clarity that comes from the practice of meditation. In meditation, we are able to begin to loosen our grip on our ego-centred view of the world and begin to live from a place of stillness and silence in which love exists unconditionally."
Mallory Hybl
US
