Grand Rapids’ Interfaith Dialogue Association provides a timely forum for such understanding in its annual World Religions Conference, being held November 3 at Aquinas College.

The daylong event will give glimpses into many faith traditions, from Sufi chanting to Hindu and Christian prayer.

"Every faith has a lot to offer us," says Debbie Aliya, program co-chairwoman of the event cosponsored by three local colleges and a variety of organizations. 

"Are we going to take advantage of the wisdom offered by the different faith traditions?  In this time, we really need all the wisdom we can get." 

The 11th annual conference, titled "sacred sounds," will focus on the wisdom of music as an agent of spiritual unity.

“People from different cultural backgrounds and belief systems have a hard time communicating with each other,” Aliya said.  "The sound and music have that ability to bring people together."

Russill Paul, a recording artist and teacher, will give a keynote address on the use of sound and music and religious traditions.  He also will present a concert in the evening in Kretschmer recital hall, along with performance poet Jim Parkinson and the North American choral Company.

Originally from India, Paul teaches sound mysticism at the University of Creation Spirituality and Naropa University in Oakland, California.  He lived as a monk at an Christian-Hindu ashram, and has performed and conducted workshops for two decades.

Playing a sitar like instrument called a unitar, Paul calls himself a "sound mystic" who teaches people how to use the “yoga of sound," Alea said. Prayers and mantras produce a relaxing, centering effect on both performer and listener, she said.

"It is a spiritual practice with a long history, she said. “Some of it has been around for 3500 years.  He has not just reproduced the Eastern sounds. He has done a lot of melding to make these sounds more accessible to a Western audience."

Paul will conduct a workshop while other sessions will be held by Western Michigan musicians, campers, quiet directors and dancers.

“Coming in the wake of the terrorist attacks, this year's conference takes on special relevance,” Aliya said.  She said, “There is greater up participation this year from the local Muslim community, including leaders who will present a workshop on daily prayer would Hindu and Jewish presenters.”

Charles Honey, press religion editor, Saturday, October 27, 2001, the Grand Rapids Press