New Delhi: 27th November 2001
This message that Baba Virsa Singhji—founder and guiding spirit of Gobind Sadan, India—has sent, is being conveyed here on his behalf by Swaranjit Singh, President, Gobind Sadan Institute for Advanced Studies in Comparative Religion, who has been his devotee for 32 years.
Babaji was shocked and saddened that a tragedy like the senseless fire that ravaged the interfaith religious Centre of Gobind Sadan in Palermo, [New York] on Sunday 18th November, could happen to such a holy place—where hundreds from all faiths have been gathering together for more than ten years, to meditate and pray.
It was here, less than a month ago in October, that the Gobind Sadan Centre held an interfaith service; Preparing for Peace—about how people can overcome the aftermath of the September 11th devastation in New York. Not even a month later, Gobind Sadan was burnt down. As a mark of support and solace the InterReligious Council of Central New York came forward to sponsor a Circle of Prayer for Healing and Reconciliation. Since then several churches, including the 'First Universalist Church' of Central Square, have been offering space to Gobind Sadan for holding their services.
When George Pataki, Governor of New York, heard about the devastation, he said, "...It is an offense that strikes at the very heart of the freedom that all Americans hold dear." On seeing the burnt temple, Bob Hanson, executive director of the InterReligious Council, spoke these poignant words: "We stand in awe of the power of God. We stand on sacred space that has been violated. We pray that this will not happen again to anyone, anywhere."
We know the raging fire burnt down the temple housed in the 100-year-old farmhouse. Being constructed entirely of wood, the flames engulfed the whole building, destroying every part of it. But the incredible fact is that only one thing remained unscathed, untouched...the Guru Granth Sahib. The 1,430 page holy book, 18 inches by 6 inches in size, which is made entirely of ordinary paper. No one understands till today, why it did not burn and how it was saved. Except maybe Deborah O'Conner's young 11-year old daughter who with all her innocence said: "Mom, God must really be here. God must be in this holy place." It was almost as though she was echoing Babaji's words to me the day we heard the news in India:...
"The Granth Sahib is indestructible. It is not only a holy book but a living spirit—tangible and visible to me at all times."
The fire marshals who investigated the fire were completely stunned: "I went up there with another fireman and at first we didn't see anything. The 'shrine thing' was tipped over on its side. We righted it and then we saw the books."He shook his head incredulously. "I've never seen anything like it. The whole room was gone, yet here were these books. There was no reason they were still there (unburned)."
Gobind Sadan was built in Palermo to spread Babaji's message of love for people of all faiths; love that cleanses the mind of anger and hate, that brings them closer together as equals and helps them understand that all religions teach one message. Because all religions come from one source, one God—this is the basis of all the world's holy books: the Bible, Koran, Torah, the Vedas, and the Granth Sahib: the holy book of the Sikhs. The only difference is that each religion has been spread by different prophets in the language and culture of the country to which they were sent. It is this interfaith that is shared in Palermo, among those who come to Gobind Sadan every Sunday, from as far as Toronto and other places.
Blessed personally by Babaji, Gobind Sadan in Palermo has been a sacred place for interfaith worship, meditation, spiritual sharing, and counselling. His mission teaches people from all faiths to understand and follow their scriptures in their own way—while respecting and honouring each others' faiths.
Babaji explains that the scriptures of the Sikh faith, written in the holy Granth Sahib imbibe the teachings of all faiths; "It is a scripture not just for all people, its revelation is for the whole universe," he says.
While speaking to me, Babaji said he was sure there was something good even in this senseless act of arson and violation. I quote his words here: "Perhaps this is God's way of giving us the opportunity of bringing people of all faiths together to share in rebuilding this sacred house of God and making it an even more beautiful place." A purpose that has been clearly vindicated since November 19th, as the community and people of the state have come forward and rallied together to help in whatever way they can. Starting with the Oswego County Cause and Origin team who took over the investigation with Lenny Hartle the first assistant Palermo Chief, Oswego County Undersheriff Robert Lighthall, and Oswego County Fire Coordinator John Hinds who has been supervising the investigation. A local school, Manlius Pebble Hill reached out by organising a "dress-down" day so their 600 students could raise money for Gobind Sadan. Complete strangers have donated money and time to help in rebuilding the shrine.
In response to all those who have so lovingly reached out to support the restoration process, Babaji conveys and sends his deepest gratitude and thanks for whatever support and assistance they have offered.. The unstinting and heartfelt response of the people of America will certainly strengthen the bonds of love between the people of all faiths. Soon Babaji looks forward to welcoming every one of them for a joint thanksgiving on the day when the Gobind Sadan temple will stand tall in Syracuse again.
