Experience Cultural Exchange at its Peak

Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai’s discourses on the Ashtavakra Gita provided profound insights into the nature of the self and the path to liberation. He emphasised that true spiritual life is built on “unity, purity, divinity,” which begins by aligning “thought, word, and action.”

The discourse highlighted the three Ps: purity, patience, and perseverance. Sadguru stressed, “Till you get it, don’t stop putting efforts… going back is not an option.” He used the analogies of waves and the ocean, and gold and ornaments, to explain that the self remains untouched while forms appear and disappear. The highest yoga, he concluded, is asparsha yoga—remaining “unaffected and unattached in all situations.”

In a subsequent discourse, Sadguru explained that Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita identifies not with his body but as the “very consciousness that permeates the entire universe.” He taught that true glory lies in “man ascending to be divine,” which requires constant remembrance of God. Sadguru shared the story of King Janaka’s dream, illustrating that worldly experiences are as illusory as dreams. He reminded the audience, “All that we perceive is a mirage… I alone am real, blemishless, pure, and eternal.”

In another session, Sadguru addressed why enlightened beings still act in the world. Citing Krishna, he explained that they do so not out of desire, but “for the sake of setting an example.” He likened worldly identities to projections on a screen, stating, “I am awareness alone. I am knowledge alone… all else is superimposition.” He concluded by noting that liberation and bondage are both illusions, and that true peace is achieved by removing the ego and craving. As Bhagavan used to say, “I want peace. Remove I. Remove want. All you have is peace.”

Ms Ghada Farid Fakhreddine from Lebanon, a transcendental meditation teacher, shared her life journey of healing and inner growth. Her message centred on love and higher consciousness as the true pathways to peace, noting, “The wholeness is more powerful than the sum of the parts.”

German Sufi master Mr Shaykh Burhanuddin Herrmann, who has served for over 35 years, brought the essence of universal harmony. His timeless message resonated with the audience: “The heart is the meeting place where all paths become one.”

Dr Maria Zacharopoulou from Greece, a mental health counsellor and holistic therapist, shared her dedication to therapeutic healing and awakening human consciousness.

The festival featured virtual addresses from two spiritual speakers. Dr Fr Paul Fernandes from India, a distinguished Jesuit priest, shared his insights on faith, service, and transformative education. He was joined by Kheira Djeriri from Algeria, a holistic medicine healer, who offered a message of inner peace and compassion, reminding everyone, “True peace and fulfilment arise from within.”

A highlight of the festival was the interactive Q&A session with Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, where he addressed critical questions from the youth.

On Raising Children: When asked how to raise children to be spiritually aware, Sadguru emphasised choosing meaningful names. He said, “Name is dignity to yourself… choose good names which convey some message.” He cited the example of Madalasa, who sang verses to her children to remind them of their true nature, underlining that children should be guided to live up to the meaning of their names.

On Religion and Spirituality: A question about the growing confusion between religious fanaticism and pseudo-secularism prompted a powerful response. Sadguru clarified that the popular statement “I am spiritual but not religious” is a misplaced idea. He likened religions to schools that teach the knowledge of spirituality. “Religion is not meant to divide, but to discipline,” he explained, adding that while the peel of a fruit may be discarded, it is essential for protecting the fruit itself. He advised the youth to “accept what is good in every religion, discard what is not, and never become narrow-minded.”

On Gender Identity: Sadguru addressed the confusion around gender identity by explaining that this is “not something new.” He noted that scriptures and ancient cultures, like the concept of Ardhanarishvara, have always acknowledged and accepted diverse identities. He urged a balanced approach of acceptance with dignity, stating, “We don’t have to overdo it… accept it at face value… not trying to over-eulogise it or over-ridicule it.” He reminded everyone that regardless of identity, the ultimate purpose is to “live a good life in the service of all.”

This segment showcased the incredible initiatives undertaken by the One World One Family Mission.

• Dr Anand Agarwal, Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, shared the remarkable story of his department, which has performed nearly 500 successful surgeries on underprivileged patients in a short time.
• The Nada Gurukulam was presented, a centre for nurturing future artists in the rich traditions of sangeetam (music) and nrityam (dance).
• The Department of General Surgery at the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research was highlighted for its rapid progress, having performed over 5,100 surgeries since its establishment in February 2022.

The evenings of the World Cultural Festival from September 1 to 4 were a breathtaking showcase of global artistic expression, celebrating the unique heritage of each participating nation while weaving a shared tapestry of unity.

On 1 September, the stage was transformed by the Lebanese Ensemble’s performance of “Love is My Identity.” This was more than a concert; it was a deep spiritual journey through the timeless words of mystic poets like Rumi and Ibn Arabi. The music was rich with traditional Arabic modes (Maqamat) such as Nahawand, Hijaz, and Bayati. These intricate melodic systems, each with its own emotional character, conveyed a profound sense of spiritual longing and divine love. Guided by Sheikh Ahmad Hawili and Faten Dergham, the performance captivated the audience by seamlessly blending poetry, music, and an underlying message of eternal unity, reminding everyone that love is the universal language that transcends all borders.

The evening of 2 September saw a distinguished German ensemble take the stage, offering a musical journey that spanned centuries. The performance began with the timeless brilliance of Beethoven and Bach, composers who defined the pinnacle of Western classical music. The precision and emotional depth of their works were a testament to Germany’s rich philosophical and artistic heritage. The ensemble then transitioned to the vibrance of contemporary compositions, showcasing the country’s innovation and continued evolution in the arts. This journey from classical masterpieces to modern harmony served as a powerful reminder that just as music transforms every note into beauty, life turns every challenge into a step closer to the Divine, as highlighted in Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai’s message: “Count your blessings and count them again. Every difficulty is a turning point, and every challenge a divine opportunity to draw closer to God.”

On 3 September, the audience was enchanted by the magical music of Greece. The ensemble wove a vibrant tapestry of sound, showcasing the country’s diverse musical traditions. The performance began with Byzantine chants, a form of sacred, monophonic music that has shaped Greek spiritual life for centuries. This was followed by the free spirit of nomadic tunes, whose lively and spontaneous rhythms evoked a sense of unburdened freedom. The program also included sacred hymns and lively folk rhythms, illustrating the harmony between the sacred and the celebratory in Greek culture. This rich blend of sounds echoed Sadguru’s words: “There is only one truth spoken by the wise men in many ways. The lies differ, but the truth remains the same,” demonstrating how diverse expressions can arise from a single, fundamental truth.

4 September saw a powerful fusion of cultures with a distinguished ensemble from Algeria and Yemen. Their performance carried the audience through a rich tapestry of sound, blending classical Andalusian-inspired compositions with vibrant contemporary pieces. This musical heritage, born from the historical and cultural crossroads of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, showcased a beautiful synthesis of different influences. The music, with its complex rhythms and soulful melodies, celebrated the unique cultural and musical heritage of their lands. This harmony of cultures on stage perfectly embodied Sadguru’s message that “Compassion is a universal religion. It doesn’t belong to one country or community; it is the very root of all humanity.” The evening was a testament to the power of art to unite diverse communities and celebrate a shared human spirit.

From the profound wisdom shared by spiritual leaders to the vibrant cultural exchanges, reaffirmed the core belief that humanity is a single family. By honouring individual traditions while celebrating shared values, the One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025 continues to build bridges of understanding, compassion, and service. It is a living testament that true peace is not found in the absence of differences, but in the harmony of hearts.