Some spiritual tools to help you get through this difficult time
Special support at this time
Let peace fill our hearts, our world and our universe
In this time of uncertainty and destabilisation in the world, it is important for all of us to find ways to ground ourselves spiritually and emotionally. We also need to help maintain our wellbeing and resilience. Many of you may be facing difficulties on all fronts or be concerned about loved ones.
Multi-Faith Chaplaincy is here to help you. Regardless of what you believe, prayer, meditation, and keeping in touch with friends, colleagues and loved ones, can be of help. Whilst each of our chaplains can help some of you with the wisdom of their own religious and spiritual traditions, there are also many general spiritual tools and resources that may be of benefit at this time.
Here are a few links and resources that you may find helpful:
- https://wordsfortheyear.com/2015/07/21/blessing-in-the-chaos-by-jan-richardson
- http://interfaithccc.org/prayers-from-many-faiths-in-an-age-of-fear-and-pandemic/
- https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/8B_CCMwG9mHRGY8MSwL91N?domain=united-church.ca
- https://www.csu.org.au/church_when_we_cant_physically_gather?fbclid=IwAR2HZnXO2_g5XqCaNy0MZc5EZeWOSF_JQCnAllZE2-gQQp113OA-xPrDnz4
- http://religionsforpeaceaustralia.org.au/
Interfaith prayers
‘Do not fear, for I am with you,
Do not be afraid, for I am your God’
— Isaiah 41:10
Allah (SWT) controls everything and he is the one that can relieve us from our difficulties,
we must return to Allah and seek refuge in him and ask his protection.
Your Lord has not taken leave of you..’
— Quran 93.3
‘May we be happy
May we be healthy
May we ride the waves of our lives
May we live in peace
No matter what we are given’
— Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation, CD Series 3, Jon Kabat-Zinn ‘May we be happy’
"In whatever manner humans approach Me, I favour them in that very manner. In all ways humans follow My path”. “Whichever form (of a deity) the devotees want to worship with faith, that very firm faith of theirs I strengthen.” (Bhagavad-Gita, 4.11, 7.21)
“Devotees follow these diverse paths, straight or crooked, according to their different tendencies. Yet, O Lord, thou alone art the ultimate goal of all men, as the ocean is the goal of all rivers”. (Shiva Mahimna Stotra, Hymn 3)
Religion in Hinduism is not just believing, it is being and becoming.
Mindfulness meditations
Here are three recordings that were supplements to a recent UTS Multi-Faith Mindfulness presentation done by the Coordinator and the Buddhist and Hindu Chaplains in collaboration with Student Hub. Each recording has a meditation from the Coordinator, the Hindu Chaplain and the Buddhist Chaplain:
https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/support/student-learning-hub/news/mindfulness-and-meditation
If you wish to take part in a Remote Meditation - Please check with individual Chaplains (particularly the Buddhist or Hindu Chaplains) (see Faiths Represented page) or chaplaincy on uts.chaplaincy@uts.edu.au or Joanna.thyer@uts.edu.au to discuss.
External support groups
- Multi-faith ‘Held’ groups
For youths 18-35 who have experienced loss
Contact team@griefcare.com.au - Grief express line for pastoral care
Grief support: 9646-6908; 9646-6936